The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha on April 3 after a 12-hour-long debate, with 288 members voting in favor and 232 against. Rajya Sabha also passed the bill on April 4, 2025.
What is Waqf?
- Waqf is an Islamic charitable endowment of property (like mosques, schools, hospitals).
- Waqf property is inalienable—cannot be sold, gifted, or inherited once declared.
Key Highlights of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025:
🔹 Modernisation & Transparency
- Digitisation of all Waqf records via a centralised digital portal.
- Real-time monitoring to prevent unauthorised transactions.
🔹 Curbing Misuse
- Stricter rules against unauthorised declaration of private/public land as Waqf.
- Section 40 (Board’s sole authority to decide Waqf status) removed—aimed at reducing land disputes and overreach.
🔹 Inclusive Representation
- Mandatory inclusion of:
- 1 member each from Bohra and Aghakhani Muslim communities (if Auqaf exists).
- Backward class Muslims, along with Shia and Sunni representatives.
- Two elected members from local bodies (Panchayats/Municipalities).
- Two Muslim women in State Waqf Boards and Central Waqf Council.
- Two non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards (excluding ex-officio members).
🔹 Empowerment of Women
- Promotes SHGs and programs for economic independence of Muslim women, esp. widows and divorced women.
- Protects women’s inheritance rights in family Waqf (Waqf-alal-aulad):
- No Waqf can be created unless female heirs receive their rightful share.
Judicial Reforms
- Tribunal Composition:
- Chairperson: Current/former District Judge
- Member: Current/former Joint Secretary of the State
- Appeals can be made to the High Court within 90 days.
Administrative Reforms
- Central Government empowered to:
- Frame rules on Waqf registration
- Ensure account publication
- Oversee proceedings of Waqf Boards
Repeal of Obsolete Law
- Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923 repealed via a separate bill.
- Removes outdated colonial law.
- Ensures uniformity under Waqf Act, 1995.
