• Source:JND
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President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on Saturday, following its passage in both Houses of Parliament amid heated debate. The Bill was passed after months of deliberation, including consultations and recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee. 

The Rajya Sabha approved the legislation early Friday with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, after a nearly 17-hour debate. The Lok Sabha had cleared it earlier this week following a 13-hour session, where 288 MPs voted in favour and 232 MPs voted against the legislation.  

The amended Act seeks to reform the governance of waqf properties by promoting transparency, accountability and inclusivity. It mandates the inclusion of diverse Muslim sects in waqf boards, aims to protect heritage sites and supports economic inclusion for marginalized sections, particularly Muslim widows and divorcees. The reforms also focus on improved social welfare mechanisms.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the legislation, calling it a necessary step towards greater accountability within the waqf system. He said the Bill addresses long-standing issues of governance and safeguards the rights of stakeholders. 

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who piloted the Bill, asserted that it would benefit millions of underprivileged Muslims. He clarified that the amended Central Waqf Council will consist of 22 members, including a maximum of four non-Muslims, to ensure both secularism and adequate representation.

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Soon after the Bill's passage, a wave of legal challenges emerged. Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and AAP leader Amanatullah Khan moved the Supreme Court, contending that the legislation discriminates against the Muslim community and violates constitutional rights.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which had earlier sought an urgent meeting with the President to voice concerns before assent, has now announced nationwide protests. The Board aims to “counter misinformation” and promote “peaceful activism” in response to the new law.