India's Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025

 On April 4, 2025, India's Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing significant changes to the management of Waqf properties—charitable endowments under Islamic law. The Rajya Sabha approved the bill with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, following its earlier passage in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes supporting and 232 opposing. 

Key Provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025:

• Inclusion of Non-Muslim Members: The bill mandates the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, aiming to promote inclusivity and diversity in the management of Waqf properties. 

• Enhanced Government Oversight: It grants the government a more substantial role in verifying and managing Waqf properties, with the objective of increasing transparency and reducing corruption. 

• Representation of Muslim Women: The legislation ensures representation of Muslim women on Waqf boards, aiming to improve their economic and social status, particularly focusing on widows and divorced women. 

Government's Perspective:

Proponents of the bill, including Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, argue that these amendments are designed to combat corruption and enhance the efficiency of Waqf property management. They emphasize that the inclusion of non-Muslim members will foster diversity and transparency. 

Opposition and Criticism:

Critics, including opposition parties and various Muslim organizations, contend that the bill infringes upon the constitutional rights of Muslims and could lead to the seizure of historically significant religious properties lacking formal documentation. They argue that the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards violates Islamic principles that require Muslims to manage Waqf properties. 

Current Status and Next Steps:

With parliamentary approval secured, the bill now awaits the assent of President Droupadi Murmu to become law. The government anticipates a prompt approval process, aiming for swift implementation of the new provisions. 

The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, marks a pivotal development in the governance of Waqf properties in India, eliciting a spectrum of responses from various stakeholders and setting the stage for potential legal challenges and further debates on minority rights and religious autonomy.

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