Lok Sabha Debates Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025: A Comprehensive Overview

On April 3, 2025, the Lok Sabha engaged in a marathon debate over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, culminating in its passage with a significant majority of 288 votes in favor and 232 against. This bill, now renamed the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill, aims to revamp the management and administration of Waqf properties in India by amending the Waqf Act of 1995.

Background and Objectives

The Waqf Act of 1995 has been criticized for its inefficiencies in managing Waqf properties, which are vital for the Muslim community in India. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to address these shortcomings by enhancing the efficiency of Waqf boards, streamlining the registration process, and integrating technology into Waqf record management. The bill is designed to prevent the misuse of Waqf properties, ensure transparency, and improve accountability.

Key Amendments and Provisions

• Efficiency and Transparency: The bill introduces stricter regulations to manage Waqf properties efficiently, ensuring that these assets are used for the welfare of the community rather than being mismanaged.
• Technology Integration: It aims to leverage technology to streamline the registration and management processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
• Strengthening Waqf Boards: The legislation seeks to make Waqf boards more accountable, ensuring that they function effectively without political interference.

Debate and Reactions in Lok Sabha

The debate in Lok Sabha was intense, with both the ruling BJP and opposition parties presenting their arguments.

Government Perspective

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the bill was necessary due to past amendments that he described as politically motivated. He highlighted how these changes led to the transfer of significant properties, such as those in Delhi’s Lutyens zone, to Waqf authorities.
• Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill, arguing that it would benefit the entire nation and not just the Muslim community. He dismissed accusations that the bill targeted Muslims, suggesting that opposition was politically driven.

Opposition Perspective

• Congress leaders like Gaurav Gogoi and KC Venugopal strongly opposed the bill, labeling it as an attack on the Constitution and minority rights.
• Akhilesh Yadav, President of the Samajwadi Party, criticized the government for its timing and coherence of the bill, suggesting it reflected the government’s failures.
• Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM) expressed his opposition, questioning the government’s motives behind the bill.

Reaction from Muslim Organizations

While some Muslim organizations and leaders, like Syed Naseruddin Chishty of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council, supported the bill by emphasizing that it aims to prevent misuse of Waqf properties, others expressed concern that it could empower non-Muslim members on Waqf boards.

Impact and Future Steps

The bill was passed in Lok Sabha but faced a similar intense debate when it reached the Rajya Sabha on April 4, 2025. Ultimately, the Rajya Sabha also cleared the bill with 128 votes in favor and 95 against. The legislation will now be sent to the President of India for final assent.

Key Points to Consider:

• Legislative Process: The bill underwent scrutiny by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which proposed significant changes to enhance its effectiveness.
• Political Implications: The passage of the bill has significant political implications, with differing interpretations from various parties on its impact on the Muslim community.
• Community Reactions: The response from the Muslim community has been mixed, with some seeing it as a measure to improve transparency and others fearing it could be used to target minority rights.

Conclusion

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 represents a major legislative effort to enhance the management and administration of Waqf properties in India. Despite the controversy surrounding its passage, the bill aims to address long-standing issues within Waqf boards. As India continues to navigate complex religious and social dynamics, legislation like this will be closely watched for its impact on the community and the nation at large.

This development highlights the ongoing debates about minority rights, Waqf property management, and government legislation in India, which are crucial topics of discussion for political analysts, legal experts, and the general public alike. The approval of the bill by both houses of Parliament marks a significant step in the legislative journey of the bill, awaiting only the President's assent to become law.