After a heated debate and surprise vote dynamics, the Rajya Sabha passed the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, with 128 votes in favour and 95 against.
New Delhi | April 4, 2025:
The Rajya Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill late Thursday night, marking a significant milestone in the government’s effort to overhaul the management of Waqf properties. Following a 12-hour debate in the Lok Sabha a day earlier, where it cleared with 288 votes in favour and 232 against, the bill sailed through the upper house with 128 ayes and 95 noes—despite stiff resistance from the Opposition.
Also Read: Waqf Amendment Bill Passes Lok Sabha Amid Fierce Opposition, 288-232 Vote Split
The legislation will now move to President Droupadi Murmu for final assent before becoming law.
The bill, introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, was projected by the government as a much-needed reform to curb corruption, digitize records, and ensure transparency in Waqf property management. However, Opposition leaders, including the Congress, AIMIM, and TMC, have labelled it as discriminatory and unconstitutional, alleging that it targets the Muslim community.
Also Read: INDIA Bloc Unites to Oppose Waqf Bill: “Clear Violation of Constitution,” Say MPs
Key Provisions of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025:
- Mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards.
- Only individuals who practiced Islam for at least five years can donate property to Waqf.
- Disputed government property claimed as Waqf will now be decided by a senior government officer, replacing Waqf tribunals.
- Donor’s proof of ownership is mandatory before land can be registered as Waqf.
The Debate in the Rajya Sabha:
Kiren Rijiju argued that the bill was about “property management, not religion,” and claimed it aims to protect legitimate Waqf assets from fraudulent claims. He said, “This bill ensures proof-based registration of Waqf land and safeguards public interest.”
However, Congress’s Syed Naseer Hussain and AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel raised strong objections. They questioned why non-Muslims were being appointed to a religious trust, comparing it to Hindu trusts like Tirupati and Ram Mandir, which do not include Muslims.
Union Minister JP Nadda defended the inclusion of non-Muslims, citing transparency reforms in Muslim countries. Home Minister Amit Shah took on Congress by asserting that the original 2013 Act didn’t allow civil suits, leading to confusion and misuse of Waqf claims.
Political Fault Lines Exposed:
A twist came when Biju Janata Dal (BJD) allowed a conscience vote, giving its MPs freedom to vote as they wished. The move is seen as a setback to the Opposition, which failed to unify against the bill in the upper house.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge cautioned the government: “You are sowing seeds of future disputes… this will not help national unity.”
What’s Next?
The bill now awaits President’s assent before being notified as law. If signed, the bill will significantly change the structure, oversight, and governance of Waqf boards and properties across India—impacting over 6 lakh acres of land under Waqf trusts.
Tags: Waqf Amendment Bill, Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, Amit Shah, AIMIM, Congress, Indian Parliament, Muslim Trusts, Religious Property Reform, Indian Politics 2025, India News, BJD, JP Nadda, Waqf Board, President of India