New Delhi:Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following a marathon 12-hour debate. The bill was approved with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
The proposed amendments aim to enhance transparency and efficiency in the management of waqf properties—Islamic charitable endowments. Key provisions include:
Inclusion of Non-Muslims on Waqf Boards: The bill proposes adding non-Muslims to the boards that oversee waqf properties, a move the government describes as promoting diversity and combating corruption.
Government Validation of Land Ownership: It introduces a requirement for government approval to validate land ownership claims, aiming to address issues of encroachment and mismanagement.
Opposition parties and Muslim organizations have criticized the bill, arguing that it undermines the autonomy of waqf institutions and threatens minority rights. They express concerns that the bill could lead to state intervention in religious matters and potentially result in the confiscation of historic religious sites lacking formal documentation.
Having passed the Lok Sabha, the bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha for further debate and approval. If approved there, it will proceed to the President for assent before becoming law.
