The Rajya Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025&nbsp;early Friday with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, clearing the final parliamentary hurdle. The bill now awaits the President&rsquo;s assent&nbsp;to become law.
The proposed law, which amends the original Waqf Act of 1995, has stirred up strong reactions&mdash;with the government calling it a step towards transparency, and the Opposition accusing it of being unconstitutional and discriminatory.
What the Bill Changes
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">District collectors will verify whether government land claimed as Waqf has a valid title or not.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Civil courts will now have jurisdiction in Waqf-related property disputes &mdash; not just Waqf tribunals.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Waqf donations must come from Muslims who have practised the faith for at least five years.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Two non-Muslims will be included on Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council.</li>
</ul>
What the Government Says
Union Minister JP Nadda, who led the debate, said the bill was needed to protect public land and ensure fair use of Waqf properties meant for the welfare of poor Muslims.
&ldquo;The earlier law allowed for misuse. It kept out the courts and enabled&nbsp; encroachment,&rdquo; Nadda said.
He also compared the current bill&rsquo;s process to the 2013 UPA version, pointing out that the new bill followed 36 meetings and consultations with 284 stakeholders across 10 cities.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju added:&nbsp;&ldquo;This is not about religion&mdash;it&rsquo;s about property. The rights of Muslims over Waqf will remain. Non-Muslims are not being given control.&rdquo;
Home Minister Amit Shah defended opening the door to civil courts, saying the old law denied legal remedy except through writ petitions&mdash;which are not enough in property matters.
What the Opposition Says
Congress, Trinamool, AAP, and other Opposition parties said the bill targets one religious group unfairly.
Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition, asked: &ldquo;Why bring in non-Muslims into Waqf Boards? You don&rsquo;t do that with Hindu or Sikh trusts. This is selective.&rdquo;
Kapil Sibal, Independent MP, raised questions about restricting Waqf donations to Muslims only. &ldquo;This violates constitutional rights. Shouldn&rsquo;t similar checks apply to donations to Hindu endowments too?&rdquo;
Other MPs flagged concerns over the ownership clause, saying the bill could let the state reclaim religious sites that are centuries old.
Who Supported It
While Opposition parties resisted, the BJP, JD(U), and some Independents backed the bill. Former PM HD Deve Gowda said it would reduce exploitation by powerful individuals.
The BJD allowed its MPs a conscience vote, with some opposing the Bill and others supporting it.
Milind Deora (Shiv Sena) said the opposition&rsquo;s claim of discrimination was unfounded.&nbsp;&ldquo;Religious minorities today have more opportunities than ever,&rdquo;&nbsp;he said.
What Happens Now
With both Houses of Parliament having cleared it, the Bill now moves to President Droupadi Murmu for assent. Once signed, it becomes law.
(With agency input)

With both Houses of Parliament having cleared it, the Bill now moves to President Droupadi Murmu for assent

Rajya Sabha clears bill 128–95 after debate; here’s what it means for land, boards, and rights

Waqf Bill Passed: What Changes, What’s Next

Rajya Sabha clears bill 128–95 after debate; here’s what it means for land, boards, and rights

April 4, 2025 | 10:44 IST