The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 on Thursday after an intense and prolonged debate, with the INDIA bloc strongly opposing the legislation while the BJP and its allies defended it as a measure to bring transparency and efficiency to Waqf boards.
The bill was approved following the rejection of proposed amendments by opposition members. The House remained in session past midnight to finalize the legislation.
Speaker Om Birla announced the final vote count, stating, “Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favor of the proposal.” Opposition members had pressed for a division on certain amendments, one of which was rejected with 231 votes in favor and 238 against.
The bill, introduced after incorporating recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee, aims to enhance the administration of Waqf properties, streamline the registration process, and integrate technology for better management.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed opposition claims that the bill was unconstitutional, emphasizing that Waqf-related laws have existed for decades without being struck down by the courts. He stated that the bill is not anti-Muslim, as alleged by critics, and that it would ultimately benefit the poor within the community.
“Crores of poor Muslims will thank PM Modi for the passage of this bill,” Rijiju asserted.
Home Minister Amit Shah accused the opposition of misleading the minority community for political gain. He clarified that the government does not intend to interfere in religious activities but seeks to improve the governance of Waqf properties.
“No non-Islamic member will have a role in Waqf Board’s religious activities. However, a person from any religion can be appointed as the Charity Commissioner to ensure compliance with charity laws,” Shah explained.
He further argued that amendments made to Waqf laws in 2013 led to irregularities, including the transfer of 123 prime properties in Delhi’s Lutyens zone to Waqf.
Amit Shah highlighted the rigorous process involved in drafting the amendments, stating that a Joint Parliamentary Committee held 38 meetings over 113 hours, engaging with 284 stakeholders and reviewing nearly one crore online suggestions.
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who chaired the JPC, described the bill as one of the most significant legislations in the Modi government’s third term.
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, which seeks to amend the 1995 Act, aims to address administrative challenges, improve registration procedures, and enhance technological oversight in Waqf property management.
