Parliament Passed Waqf Bill: A Landmark Move for Transparency and Reform

The Indian Parliament has officially passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and governance of Waqf properties across the country. This legislation marks a significant shift in how Waqf assets are managed, with provisions designed to safeguard heritage sites, protect stakeholders’ rights, and promote the welfare of underprivileged Muslim communities. With widespread debate and a mix of support and opposition, this bill has emerged as one of the most discussed legal reforms in recent times.

Understanding Waqf and Its Importance

Waqf refers to properties dedicated for religious, charitable, or educational purposes in Islam. These assets, which include mosques, schools, hospitals, and other establishments, are intended for perpetual community benefit. However, mismanagement and corruption have plagued many Waqf boards, leading to asset misuse and financial discrepancies. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to rectify these issues through structural reforms and stricter oversight mechanisms.

Key Provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025

1. Strengthened Governance: The bill enhances the transparency of Waqf boards by streamlining coordination with local authorities and enforcing stricter financial audits.
   
2. Protection of Heritage Sites: It introduces measures to safeguard historically significant Waqf properties from encroachments and unauthorized transactions.
   
3. Inclusion of Diverse Representation: The Waqf Board will now include representatives from different Muslim sects, ensuring a more inclusive decision-making process.
   
4. Empowerment of Muslim Women: The legislation includes provisions to uplift the economic and social conditions of widowed and divorced Muslim women by granting them greater access to Waqf benefits.
   
5. Transparent Property Management: Digital records and a centralized database will be implemented to prevent fraudulent dealings and unauthorized dispossession of Waqf assets.
   
6. Unified Waqf Management System: The bill introduces UMEED (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development), a framework designed to optimize asset utilization and ensure equitable distribution of resources.
   

Parliamentary Debate and Political Reactions

The passing of the bill was not without controversy. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies championed the reform as a step towards transparency and Muslim welfare, opposition parties raised concerns about its implications.

Supporters’ Arguments:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government emphasized that the bill would help integrate poor Muslims into the mainstream economy, reducing financial disparities.
  
• Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that the legislation does not interfere with Waqf properties but rather strengthens their governance to benefit the larger community.
  
• JD(S) Chief H.D. Devegowda lauded the move, stating that past governments had failed to prevent Waqf property misappropriation.
  

Opposition’s Concerns:

• Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the bill for its alleged anti-constitutional elements, demanding its withdrawal.
  
• TMC’s Mohammad Nadimul Haque and DMK’s Tiruchi Siva expressed fears that the legislation could be used to target a specific community.
  
• AAP’s Sanjay Singh termed it an attempt at communal polarization rather than genuine reform.
  

Despite heated debates, the Rajya Sabha passed the bill with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, following a 12-hour-long discussion. The Lok Sabha had previously cleared it, ensuring its legislative passage.

Impact on Muslim Community and Waqf Institutions

The bill’s enactment is expected to bring significant changes to the way Waqf properties are managed.

1. Greater Transparency: Digitalization of Waqf records will curb illegal transfers and mismanagement.
   
2. Improved Social Welfare: A fairer distribution of Waqf funds can enhance education, healthcare, and housing for marginalized Muslims.
   
3. Better Oversight and Accountability: Regular audits and legal protections will ensure Waqf properties are used for their intended purpose.
   
4. Potential Legal Challenges: While the bill aims to enhance governance, critics argue that its provisions may be challenged in courts, delaying its implementation.
   

The Repeal of the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923

In a parallel move, Parliament also approved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, which abolishes the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923. This step was taken to modernize Waqf governance and eliminate outdated legal frameworks that no longer align with current needs.

Looking Ahead: A Balanced Approach Needed

While the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, promises much-needed reform, its success depends on fair and transparent implementation. The government must ensure that the legislation benefits those it aims to serve—especially underprivileged sections of the Muslim community—without political bias or misinterpretation.

As India moves forward with these changes, continued dialogue with community leaders, legal experts, and stakeholders will be crucial in making the Waqf system more robust, equitable, and beneficial for generations to come.

By – Jyothi