Waqf Amendment Bill Passes In Parliament: A Modern Framework For Waqf Land In India

After a prolonged and intense debate that spanned over 25 hours across two days, Parliament has given its green light to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. This pivotal legislation now only requires the endorsement of President Droupadi Murmu to be enacted. This development is hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a significant turning point for the governance and oversight of Waqf properties throughout India, promising a modern and socially just framework for their management.

The debate over this bill in the Rajya Sabha was particularly rigorous, lasting for 13 hours and sparking considerable controversy. Opposition parties vehemently criticized the bill, labeling it as "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional." In response, the government assured that this historic reform would serve the minority community positively, highlighting its potential for fostering socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth.

"The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on," Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed on social media. Continuing, he added, "We will now enter an era where the framework will be more modern and sensitive to social justice. On a larger note, we remain committed to prioritizing the dignity of every citizen. This is also how we build a stronger, more inclusive, and more compassionate India."

The numbers reflect a decisive majority in favor of the bill in both houses; it was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes for and 95 against, and in the Lok Sabha, it garnered 288 votes in support while 232 opposed it. This marks a clear legislative endorsement of the bill's objectives and principles.

In terms of historical context, Waqf properties in India have been under the purview of various legislations aimed at improving their management and preventing misuse. Starting with the Mussalman Wakf Validating Act of 1913, which permitted family Waqfs for eventual charitable purposes, the legal framework has evolved significantly. The Waqf Act of 1954 and subsequent amendments have progressively aimed at enhancing transparency, legal validity, and the efficient management of Waqf properties. The most recent amendments proposed in 2025 aim to modernize this governance further, addressing longstanding legal challenges and ensuring the properties' better utilization for the community's benefit.

Alongside these legislative reforms, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has been proactive in digitizing Waqf records and promoting the commercial development of Waqf lands through initiatives like the Quami Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme (QWBTS) and Shahari Waqf Sampatti Vikas Yojana (SWSVY). This digital transformation is crucial for the effective management and utilization of Waqf properties across the country.

India boasts a vast array of Waqf properties, with the Waqf Management System of India (WAMSI) portal reporting a staggering 8.72 lakh registered properties spread over more than 38 lakh acres as of March 14, 2025. Despite this vast number, the challenge of incomplete documentation persists, with only a fraction of these properties having their ownership documents fully uploaded and verified.

The distribution of these properties varies significantly across the country, with Uttar Pradesh (Sunni) leading in terms of the number of properties, followed by states like West Bengal, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. This geographical distribution underscores the extensive reach and potential impact of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill across diverse communities and regions in India.

In conclusion, the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill represents a milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve the governance and utilization of Waqf properties in India. With its focus on modernization, legal clarity, and socio-economic justice, this legislative reform promises to usher in a new era of inclusivity and prosperity for the communities it aims to serve.