Waqf Bill Cleared by Parliament
In a recent development, the Parliament has cleared the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, paving the way for it to be signed into law. The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with a majority of 128 votes in its favour and 95 votes against it. The Lok Sabha, on the other hand, witnessed heated discussions between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition parties, before it was cleared with a majority of 288 votes in its favour and 232 votes against it.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is aimed at bringing reforms to the Waqf Act, 1995, which governs the management of mosques, dargahs, and other religious places of worship. The bill seeks to empower the Waqf Boards, which are responsible for managing these religious places, by giving them more autonomy and increasing their jurisdiction.
The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in January 2022 and was later referred to the Standing Committee on Finance. The committee submitted its report in September 2022, recommending several changes to the bill. The bill was then reintroduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2022 and was passed with several amendments.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has been a contentious issue, with the Opposition parties expressing concerns over the government’s intentions behind the bill. The Opposition parties have accused the government of trying to dilute the autonomy of the Waqf Boards and giving more power to the central government.
The bill has also been criticized for its provision to allow the central government to monitor the finances of the Waqf Boards. The Opposition parties have argued that this provision will give the central government control over the finances of the Waqf Boards and undermine their autonomy.
On the other hand, the government has defended the bill, saying that it is aimed at bringing transparency and accountability to the Waqf Boards. The government has also argued that the bill will help to protect the rights of the minorities and ensure that the Waqf Boards are managed in a more efficient and transparent manner.
The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has been seen as a significant development, as it will bring about significant changes to the way the Waqf Boards are managed. The bill is expected to have a significant impact on the management of mosques, dargahs, and other religious places of worship in the country.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is part of the government’s efforts to bring about reforms to the Waqf Act, 1995. The government had earlier introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which sought to bring about similar reforms to the Waqf Act. However, the bill was not passed due to opposition from the Opposition parties.
The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is seen as a significant achievement for the government, as it has been able to push through a contentious bill despite opposition from the Opposition parties. The bill is expected to have a significant impact on the management of religious places of worship in the country and will be closely watched by all stakeholders.
