New Delhi, April 4 – The Indian Parliament has passed the Wakf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after over 12 hours of marathon debate in the Rajya Sabha that extended into the early hours of Thursday. With 128 votes in favor and 95 against, the bill now moves to President Droupadi Murmu for final assent before becoming law.
Midnight Approval Marks Key Legislative Milestone
Following its clearance in the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha saw intense debate that carried on past midnight. Key leaders from the ruling party, including Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda, defended the bill vigorously, countering opposition claims that the bill would undermine minority rights.
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, while replying to the discussion, emphasized that the Wakf Boards are statutory bodies and should function in a secular manner. He said, “We are not scaring the Muslim community, the opposition is. The objective is empowerment, not exclusion.”
Opposition Divided, Government Holds Ground
Opposition parties introduced several amendments during the debate, all of which were voted down. Many opposition benches were reportedly empty during key moments of the discussion.
In a fiery exchange, Amit Shah interrupted Congress MP Nasir Hussain, stating that the new provisions now allow Wakf tribunal decisions to be challenged in court, a right previously unavailable.
BJP President JP Nadda also criticized the Congress for failing to protect Muslim women’s rights during its tenure, pointing out that several Muslim-majority nations had already banned practices like triple talaq, while Congress “did nothing” over a decade in power.
Minister Rijiju Unpacks the Purpose of the Bill
Presenting the bill, Minister Rijiju stated that the proposed legislation is aimed at protecting the rights of underprivileged Muslims, particularly women. He said the bill seeks to bring about transparency, efficiency, and reform in the functioning of Wakf Boards and has been aptly named “UMMEED” – an acronym for Unified Wakf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development.
He clarified that this bill is not an attack on religious rights but a step towards integrating all communities, including Muslims, into India’s vision for development.
Controversial Wakf Claims Cited
During the debate, Rijiju raised serious concerns about arbitrary claims being made by some Wakf Boards. He mentioned that 123 properties under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Urban Development and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) have been claimed by the Wakf Board. “Tomorrow they might even lay claim to the Parliament building,” he said, underscoring the urgency for regulatory reform.
He cited similar issues in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, highlighting misuse and mismanagement in property claims as justification for the amendments.
What’s Next?
With both houses of Parliament having approved the Wakf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, it will now be sent to President Droupadi Murmu. Upon her assent, the bill will become law, marking a significant shift in the governance and oversight of Wakf properties across India.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.