In a significant development, President Droupadi Murmu has given her formal assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in India’s legislative landscape. This comes after both houses of Parliament gave their approval earlier this week. The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill after intense debates spanning 13 hours, with 128 members voting in favor and 95 against. The Lok Sabha previously endorsed the legislation, securing 288 affirmative votes while facing 232 oppositions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the new Act as a “watershed moment,” emphasizing its potential to inject greater transparency and accountability into the waqf system. Modi articulated that this legislative action is crucial for safeguarding rights and enhancing governance within the waqf property management system.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act introduces substantial reforms aimed at revitalizing waqf property management. Key changes include ensuring representation from various Muslim sects and safeguarding culturally significant heritage sites. Additionally, the amendments provide support for marginalized communities, including Muslim widows and divorcees.
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has defended the provisions of the new legislation, asserting its potential benefits for millions of economically disadvantaged Muslims. Rijiju underscored that the Act would allow for the inclusion of up to four non-Muslims within the Central Waqf Council, thereby ensuring a balanced representation.
Despite these assertions, the Bill has faced vociferous opposition. Critics, including Congress MP Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain and DMK’s Tiruchi Siva, have labeled it as unconstitutional and anti-secular. AAP’s Sanjay Singh has called for the withdrawal of the Bill, underlining concerns over its implications for religious freedom.
Adding to the controversy, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has already reached the Supreme Court. Several opposition parties, including the Congress and AIMIM, have legally challenged the Act, arguing it violates constitutional rights and discriminates against the Muslim community. Notable figures such as Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi have filed petitions asserting that the legislation undermines religious autonomy and imposes unwarranted restrictions on waqf properties. AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan also filed a challenge in the Supreme Court, amplifying the legal and political scrutiny surrounding the Bill.
Further escalating the issue, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced plans for a national campaign, denouncing the passage of these amendments as a direct threat to Islamic values, Shariah law, and the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Indian Constitution. AIMPLB has pledged to protest vehemently against what it perceives as an erosion of Muslim rights.
In response to the backlash, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has accused opposition parties of spreading misinformation. He emphasized the Bill’s alignment with UMEED (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development), a framework aimed at modernizing waqf property management.
A noteworthy outcome of the new legislation is the repeal of the century-old Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923. This move is positioned as a necessary step to eliminate outdated provisions and streamline the administration of waqf properties, aligning with modern governance and property management standards.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/president-murmu-grants-assent-to-waqf-amendment-act-2025-after-parliamentary-approval-11743875733211.html
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Publish Date: 2025-04-05 23:27:00
