Waqf (Amendment) Bill Passes Parliament Both Houses Amid Opposition Backlash

The Indian Parliament has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, along with the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, despite fierce criticism from opposition parties. The legislation cleared the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in favour and 232 against after a debate stretching over 12 hours, and later passed the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favour and 95 against following a marathon 17-hour session that concluded in the early hours of Friday.

The bills aim to reform the management of Waqf properties, introducing measures such as reducing the mandatory contribution of Waqf institutions to boards from 7% to 5%, mandating audits for institutions earning over ₹1 lakh annually, and allowing non-Muslim representation on Waqf boards. The government has framed these changes as steps toward transparency and better governance of properties valued at over several thousands of crores.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday commented on the development via a tweet, stating, “The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both houses of Parliament is a historic moment for the country. It brings to the forefront our collective commitment to social-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive development.” He further noted that the bills would address long-standing issues of “transparency and accountability” in the Waqf system, particularly benefiting marginalised Muslim communities.

However, the opposition has slammed the legislation as an overreach into religious affairs and a violation of constitutional principles. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, accused the government of targeting minorities, saying, “This bill is an attempt to sow seeds of conflict by suppressing Muslims. It’s unconstitutional and disrupts the peace and harmony of the nation.” Kharge demanded its withdrawal, arguing it infringes on the autonomy of Waqf boards.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi echoed these sentiments in the Lok Sabha, calling the bill “an assault on the basic structure of our Constitution” with the intent to “dilute it, defame minority communities, divide Indian society, and disenfranchise minorities.” AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi went further, staging a symbolic protest by tearing up a copy of the bill during the debate, underscoring the depth of opposition resistance.

The bills’ passage follows recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee, which reviewed the legislation after its initial introduction. Critics, however, allege that dissenting voices within the committee were ignored. The legislation now awaits presidential assent to become law, marking a significant shift in the regulation of Waqf properties amid ongoing contention.