Waqf Bill becomes law: President Drupadi Murmu Waqf (Amendment) Agree, 2025. Bharat News
New Delhi: President Draupadi Murmu After 2025 of Parliament, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been agreed when Parliament passed the controversial law after the marathon debate in both houses.
The Rajya Sabha approved the bill with 95 votes in favor of 128 votes in the early hours of Friday and after about 17 hours of discussion. The Lok Sabha passed the law earlier this week after a 13 -hour marathon debate.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the move as a “watershed moment”, saying that the Waqf system was suffering from transparency and lack of accountability for a long time. “This law will promote transparency and protect people’s rights,” he posted on X.
The purpose of the Act is to improve the rule of Waqf properties, increase transparency in behavior and ensure representation from various Muslim sects in Waqf boards. It also includes provisions to support the safety of heritage sites, improve social welfare and support the economic inclusion of the marginalized groups including Muslim widows and divorce.
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who operated the bill, said that it would benefit millions of poor Muslims and claimed that it does not interfere with Waqf properties. “This law is based on a comprehensive stakeholder counseling and incorporates recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee,” he said. He clarified that the Central Waqf Council would consist of 22 members, which would not have more than four non-Muslims, ensuring that the body remains secular yet representative.
However, the opposition leaders accused the government of advancing a divisive agenda. Congress MP Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain said that the bill was misleading and intended to communal polarization. DMK’s Thiruchi Shiva called it anti-unconstitutional and unconstitutional, while Mohammad Nadimul Haq of TMC said that it violates fundamental rights. Sanjay Singh of AAP urged the government to withdraw the bill.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the opposition was misleading the people. BJP’s JP NADDA insisted that the bill Umeed – Unified WAQF align with empowerment, efficiency and development – to modernize property administration.
Supporting the bill, JD (S) chief and former PM HD Divegowda stated that Waqf properties had long been misused by elements. BJP MP Radha Mohan Das said that previous governments had ignored the upliftment of poor Muslims, and the Modi government is working to bring them into the mainstream.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Mallikrajun Kharge demanded a return of the bill citing constitutional concerns. Dr. of AIADMK M Thumbdurai supported the change in the structure of the board, while Minister Ramdas Athawale claimed that the bill integrates all minority communities.
Along with this law, Parliament also approved the Muslim WAKF (Real) Bill, 2025, which revokes the Wakf Act of 1923, which aims to eliminate the old provisions.
As the new law applies, the political debate continues more than its long-term impact-he can empower the marginalized communities or, as critics claim, control will be centralized and minority autonomy has been destroyed.
