The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Friday after an over 12-hour-long marathon debate on the legislation. In total, 128 votes were cast in favour of the bill and 95 votes against the bill.The bill will now be forwarded to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent. After that, it will become an Act.
The bill in Rajya Sabha went through a fierce debate between NDA and INDIA bloc leaders. Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders. He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22. Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.”You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream,” he added.
Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution. As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions’ mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors. A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans. The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
