Waqf (Amendment) Bill Passed Amidst Intense Parliamentary Debate

Why in the News ?

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after a heated debate. The bill aims to streamline Waqf property management, sparking opposition criticism over alleged religious interference, while the government insists it focuses solely on property regulation.

Waqf (Amendment) Bill Passed Amidst Intense Parliamentary Debate

Key Provisions and Government’s Stand

  • The Bill modernizes Waqf property management and specifies that only practicing Muslims for over five years can donate to Waqf.
  • Home Minister Shah clarified that mutawalli (manager) and waqif (donor) must be Muslims, while non-Muslims can be part of the Waqf Board for administrative purposes.
  • It authorizes a designated official to verify Waqf property ownership in case of disputes and prohibits donating government property as Waqf.
  • Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated the bill’s focus on property regulation, not religion, and assured minorities of India’s safety.

Opposition’s Criticism and Government’s Response

  • Opposition parties, including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, called the bill “unconstitutional”, with Owaisi dramatically tearing a copy of the bill.
  • DMK’s N.R. Elango demanded referring the bill to a Select Committee, citing concerns over religious interference.
  • Home Minister Shah dismissed allegations, drawing parallels to past controversies over CAA, Article 370, and triple talaq, stating that fear-mongering had proven baseless.
  • He asserted the Modi government’s focus on “politics of performance,” promising continued governance reforms.

Overview of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025:

●      The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, also known as the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill, after a lengthy debate that stretched past midnight.

●      Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the bill focuses on property management, not religious interference, and accused the Opposition of fear-mongering for political gains.

●      The bill was passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, rejecting multiple amendments proposed by the Opposition.

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