Waqf Amendment Bill : A Reform or Religious Overreach?
- Panorva
- Apr 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 6
Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024 is a landmark legislative bill in India that tries to reform and enhance the administration and management of Waqf properties. Waqf properties, which are usually given for religious, charitable, or public intentions in the name of Allah, are administered by Waqf Boards. The bill attempts to update the system under which Waqf properties are governed so that it becomes more transparent, efficient, and accountable. Even though the bill is usually referred to in relation to 2025 because of the debates ongoing, it was really proposed in the Lok Sabha in August 2024. Following are the major provisions of the bill:
Key Provisions of the Waqf Amendment Bill
1. Unified Waqf Management: The bill suggests the rechristening of the Waqf Act, 1995, to the "Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995." This is meant to improve the management and efficiency of Waqf properties.
2. Diverse Representation in Waqf Boards: The bill suggests the addition of Muslim women and non-Muslim members to Waqf boards for diversity and inclusivity.
3. Repeal of Section 40: Section 40 of the Waqf Act, which allowed the Waqf Board to declare land as Waqf property unilaterally, is being repealed. This is considered a significant reform to avoid possible abuse of power.
4. Judicial Review: The Waqf Board will no longer be able to determine whether a property is Waqf under the bill. Such determination can now be appealed in court.
5. Central Government Regulation: The central government will be able to establish regulations regarding the registration and auditing of Waqf properties.
Opposition and Controversy
Opposition’s Concerns: Political parties like Congress and the Samajwadi Party have opposed the bill strongly, calling it "unconstitutional" and "divisive." They claim that it takes away the independence of Waqf boards and may encroach on religious freedoms.
Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Report: The JPC, after going through the bill, presented its report in February 2025, which was some modified version. But majority of the opposition's recommendations were not incorporated.
Political Debate: The bill has spurred tremendous political controversy. The current BJP-led NDA government favors the bill as a long-overdue reform to better manage Waqf. The opposition, however, believes it is an effort to interfere with religious institutions.
Current Status
Waqf Amendment Bill is currently under consideration in the Lok Sabha and is likely to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha soon. The bill will be tabled depending upon the majority in both Houses of Parliament.
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