NEW DELHI: Parliament approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the early hours of Friday following an extensive discussion in the Rajya Sabha. The bill secured passage in the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, following its approval in the Lok Sabha supported by 288 MPs while 232 against.
The legislation now awaits President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to become law.
Following the advocacy of Union home minister Amit Shah and parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju in the lower house, BJP president JP Nadda led with a spirited debate in the Rajya Sabha that began on Thursday, concluded with the bill receiving majority support on Friday.
The amended Waqf Bill reduces the mandatory contribution of Waqf institutions to boards from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, whilst implementing mandatory audits by state-appointed auditors for institutions earning above Rs 1 lakh.
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To enhance administrative efficiency and transparency, the bill establishes an automated centralised portal for Waqf property management.
Reverting to pre-2013 regulations, the bill enables practising Muslims with minimum five years of religious observance to dedicate their property to the Waqf.
The legislation safeguards women’s interests by ensuring they receive their inheritance prior to Waqf declarations, with specific provisions protecting widows, divorced women and orphans.
For properties claimed as Waqf, the bill mandates investigations by officers holding positions above the collector rank.
The legislation advocates for diversity by proposing the inclusion of non-Muslim members in both central and state Waqf boards.
