Waqf Bill Clears Lok Sabha Amid Heated Debate
New Delhi: With 288 votes in favour and 232 against, the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 was approved by the Lok Sabha following a long 12-hour debate. The Rajya Sabha will now hear the measure, which aims at modifying the 1995 law controlling Waqf properties. The opposition strongly opposed the measure, accusing it of being unconstitutional and an assault on minority rights, while the ruling administration justified it as a necessary reform for improved property management.
Significant modifications are introduced by the measure, such as the need that two non-Muslim members be included on Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council. Additionally, it states that property donations to Waqf are only permitted from those who have been Muslims for at least five years. Additionally, any government land declared as Waqf property will no longer belong to the government, and the local Collector will determine its ownership.
Union Minister Amit Shah, while defending the bill, highlighted several cases where Waqf properties allegedly encroached upon government land, including properties in Delhi’s Lutyens zone and historical temple lands in Tamil Nadu. “You cannot donate someone else’s property. You donate something which is yours,” he said. He further blamed the previous Congress-led government for facilitating Waqf land transfers before the 2014 elections.
However, the Opposition fiercely opposed the bill. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, in a symbolic act, tore up a copy of the bill, comparing it to Mahatma Gandhi’s protest against British laws. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi called the bill an “assault on the Constitution” and accused the government of attempting to disenfranchise minorities. Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal also criticized the BJP for trying to divide religious communities.
The bill’s passage has triggered strong reactions from various organizations, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which has announced plans to challenge the amendment in court. Protests and demonstrations are expected in several cities as the bill moves to the Rajya Sabha for further debate.
