Waqf Amendment Bill 2025: What It Is & Why It’s Controversial

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 seeks to modify the Waqf Act, 1995, which regulates waqf properties—endowments made by Muslims for charitable, religious, or educational purposes. Waqf properties are meant to serve the community forever, ensuring that donated lands and assets remain untouched by personal claims. However, issues like mismanagement, lack of transparency, and political interference have sparked debates over the need for reforms. The Indian government introduced the amendment with the goal of modernizing waqf administration, but it has faced intense backlash from the Muslim community.

What the Bill Proposes

• Mandatory Audits for waqf institutions earning over 1 Lakh rupees annually.
• A centralized digital portal for the management and registration of waqf properties.
• Lower contribution requirements for waqf institutions, reducing it from 7% to 5%.
• Inclusion of non-muslim members in waqf boards to enhance diversity.
• Clear regulation on women inheritence rights before a property is donated as waqf.

Muslim Protests Against the Amendment

Despite these proposed benefits, the Muslim community has strongly opposed the bill. Many argue that it infringes on religious autonomy, allowing government interference in Islamic charitable trusts. The most controversial provision is the inclusion of non-Muslim members in waqf boards, which critics say could dilute religious values. Protesters also fear that the bill will make it easier for waqf lands to be taken over for commercial or governmental purposes, rather than remaining dedicated to community welfare.
Mass protests have erupted in cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Lucknow, with Muslim leaders calling the bill unconstitutional. Legal petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court, challenging its validity and demanding its withdrawal. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has urged the government to reconsider, arguing that waqf laws should remain under religious supervision, not state control.

Significance of the Amendment

The government argues that this amendment is necessary to prevent mismanagement of waqf assets and ensure better accountability. The bill seeks to bring waqf properties under modern supervision, making it easier to track ownership and usage. Supporters believe that these measures will stop illegal encroachments, boost transparency, and protect waqf lands from exploitation.

What’s Next?

As the bill awaits Presidential assent, tensions continue to rise. If enacted, the amendment could reshape waqf governance in India, but it may also create lasting disputes between religious institutions and the government. Whether the government makes further changes or proceeds with implementation remains to be seen.