Waqf Amendment Bill 2025: A Deep Dive into India’s Controversial Legislative Reform

 April 2, 2025, the Central Government will table the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, marking a pivotal moment in India’s legislative landscape. With 8 hours of discussion scheduled, this bill aims to reform the Waqf Act, which governs over 6 lakh acres of Waqf properties valued at an estimated ₹10–12 lakh crore. Designed to enhance transparency and curb mismanagement, the bill has ignited fierce debate, pitting governance reform against accusations of religious overreach. Here’s everything you need to know about this contentious legislation. 

What is the Waqf Amendment Bill?

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 seeks to modernize the Waqf Act of 1995, addressing long-standing issues like corruption, illegal encroachments, and poor record-keeping in Waqf Boards. Introduced initially in August 2024 and refined through a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), the bill proposes sweeping changes to how Waqf properties, land and assets dedicated for Muslim charitable purposes are managed across India.

  Key Provisions of the Waqf Amendment Bill  

1. Centralized Digital Portal:
   The bill mandates the digitalization of Waqf records via a centralized online system. This move aims to curb fraudulent transactions and ensure transparency in property registration, a reform hailed as a step toward modernization.
   
   
2. Stricter Anti-Encroachment Measures:
   Authority to resolve property disputes shifts from Waqf Tribunals to senior state officials (above District Collectors), aiming to tackle the rampant issue of illegal occupation. This change has sparked concerns about excessive government control.
   
   
3. Inclusive Representation:
   The bill allows non-Muslims and women to serve on Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council, promoting diversity. Critics, however, see this as an intrusion into religious autonomy.
   
   
4. Harsher Penalties:
   Tougher penalties for unauthorized occupation or sale of Waqf properties are proposed, though specifics remain under wraps, fueling speculation about enforcement rigor.
   
   
5. Streamlined Dispute Resolution:
   While retaining Waqf Tribunals, the bill introduces flexibility in registration deadlines, aiming to expedite resolutions. Yet, the lack of a wholly new mechanism has left some stakeholders wanting more.
   

Why the Government Supports It?. 

The BJP-led NDA government, with a Lok Sabha strength of 293 seats, justifies the bill as a necessary fix for systemic flaws. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, spearheading the legislation, cites corruption and mismanagement as key drivers, arguing that Waqf properties must serve community welfare, not private interests. With allies like TDP and JDU backing the revised bill, the government is poised to push it through both houses by the Budget Session’s end on April 4, 2025.

Opposition and Public Backlash

The bill faces fierce resistance. Opposition parties, including Congress and AIMIM, call it an “assault on the Constitution” and a bid to polarize society. Asaduddin Owaisi has accused the government of targeting Muslim institutions, while the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) organized nationwide protests, including black armband demonstrations during Ramadan prayers in March 2025. Tamil Nadu’s Assembly even passed a unanimous resolution against it, urging withdrawal.

Critics highlight provisions like non-Muslim board appointments and centralized control as threats to religious freedom. On X, sentiments range from calls for outright repeal to skepticism about its effectiveness in resolving encroachments, reflecting a deeply divided public.

The Lok Sabha Debate: What to Expect on April 2, 2025 ?.

The 8-hour debate, starting at 12:15 PM, will be a battleground. The Business Advisory Committee (BAC), chaired by Speaker Om Birla, settled on this duration despite opposition demands for 12 hours. Key issues likely to dominate include:

• Transparency vs. Autonomy: Will digitalization and oversight empower or undermine Waqf Boards?
• Political Implications: With allies supportive but vocal dissent from the INDIA bloc, can the NDA maintain unity?
• Stakeholder Concerns: Inputs from Waqf representatives, religious leaders, and legal experts will shape the discourse.

The government plans to address queries post-Question Hour, with Rijiju leading the charge. Expect a heated exchange as the opposition leverages its 250+ seats to challenge the bill’s intent and impact.

Broader Implications

If passed, the bill could redefine Waqf governance, impacting millions who rely on these properties for education, healthcare, and charity. Yet, it risks deepening communal fault lines, especially with elections looming in states like Bihar. The Rajya Sabha passage remains uncertain, given the NDA’s slimmer majority there, making April 4 a critical deadline.

  Conclusion:  

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 is more than a legal reform—it’s a litmus test for India’s secular fabric and governance priorities. As the Lok Sabha gears up for April 2, the nation watches: Will this be a triumph of transparency or a flashpoint for division? Stay tuned for live updates as this historic debate unfolds.