Jammu, April 6 – President Droupadi Murmu has granted assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, making it a law, the Law Ministry confirmed in a notification issued on Saturday. The legislation, which received parliamentary approval earlier this week, has sparked widespread political and legal controversy.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress MP Mohammad Javed have filed petitions in the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutional validity of the new Act.
The Union government, however, dismissed concerns of religious encroachment, defending the legislation as a necessary step toward reforming the administration of waqf properties.
Administrative vs. Religious
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, defending the Bill in the Lok Sabha, underscored that waqf—a religious charitable endowment—and its donor (waqif) are deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. However, he argued that Waqf Boards and Councils serve purely administrative functions and should not be conflated with religious institutions.
“The inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards is for administrative efficiency and ensures that every waqf donation is utilised for its intended noble purpose,” Shah said. He accused opponents of “deliberate attempts to create confusion” and dismissed fears of interference in religious practices as “a calculated ploy to manipulate public sentiment and create a vote bank.”
The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of April 4, with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, following a marathon debate. The Lok Sabha had approved the Bill a day earlier after a 12-hour session marked by heated exchanges.
In both Houses, Union ministers Amit Shah and Kiren Rijiju in the Lower House, and J.P. Nadda in the Upper House, led the defence of the legislation. Nadda, who is also the Leader of the Rajya Sabha, strongly criticised the Congress, alleging that the original Waqf Act had enabled land mafias and called the amendments essential to safeguarding waqf properties.
Nadda highlighted the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) under the Modi government, comprising 31 members who engaged in over 200 hours of deliberation on the Bill. He contrasted this with the 2013 JPC formed during the UPA government, which had only 13 members.
“Democracy thrives on meaningful discourse and diverse perspectives,” Nadda said. “This legislation reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, national interest, and the welfare of underprivileged Muslims.”
With the matter now before the Supreme Court, the future of the Waqf (Amendment) Act remains uncertain. However, the government continues to maintain that the new law aligns with constitutional principles while modernising and safeguarding waqf administration.
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Haseena Ayoob is a regular contributor of The Chenab Times.
