New Waqf Law Passed And Signed By President After Intense Parliamentary Debate
New Delhi, 6th April 2025: The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, has officially become law after receiving the assent of President Droupadi Murmu. The bill, which underwent extensive discussions and a marathon debate in both Houses of Parliament, was passed late on Saturday night. Along with this, the President also approved the Muslim Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2025. The government confirmed the enactment of the Waqf Amendment Act through an official notification. However, the new legislation has already faced legal challenges, with separate petitions filed in the Supreme Court by the Congress, AIMIM, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, has been passed to address issues like favoritism, misuse, and encroachment on Waqf properties. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has assured that the law is not anti-Muslim, emphasizing its focus on ensuring proper management of Waqf assets. After receiving President Droupadi Murmu’s assent, the bill has officially become law and will now be enforced across the country. Despite facing challenges from opposition parties, the government stands firm on the law’s intent to protect and manage Waqf properties effectively.
After the report of the Joint Committee, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Bill aims to improve the management of waqf properties, empower stakeholders concerned with the management of waqf properties, and improve the process of survey, registration, and case settlement. Apart from this, the Muslim Waqf Act of 1923 has also been repealed.
The Waqf Bill was the subject of intense debates in both Houses of Parliament, with discussions lasting for 13 hours in the Rajya Sabha and nearly 12 hours in the Lok Sabha. After the lengthy deliberations, the bill was passed by both chambers and sent to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent. Once signed into law by the President, the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, was officially enacted. During the debates, BJP President JP Nadda criticized the Congress for its handling of the Waqf Act, accusing the party of enacting the law in a manner that allegedly benefited the land mafia.
AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi vehemently opposed the Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha, even tearing a copy of the bill in protest, calling it an attack on Muslims. His fiery reaction came as part of a broader opposition to the legislation. In response, Home Minister Amit Shah firmly defended the bill, warning that it was a law passed by Parliament and would be accepted by all, regardless of opposition. Shah also pointed out that had the Congress not enacted stringent Waqf laws in 2013 for political appeasement, the need for such an amendment would not have arisen today. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “The Waqf Bill is being used by opposition parties to scare Muslims. There is no country in the world safer for minorities than India.”
The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, has now become law, despite opposition from various political parties. The government insists the law is meant to better manage Waqf properties and prevent misuse. While some parties have challenged it in court, the law is set to be implemented across the country. The debates around the bill show the political differences, but the government stands by its decision, aiming for a fairer management of Waqf assets.
