Image Credit: President's Secretariat
President Droupadi Murmu Enacts Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025
President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, officially making it law. This legislation introduces a series of key reforms intended to strengthen the management and transparency of Waqf properties across India. The move follows the bill’s recent passage in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha after intense parliamentary debates.
The amended law is designed to address concerns related to the misuse, encroachment, and poor administration of Waqf properties. It empowers the relevant authorities with enhanced oversight mechanisms while also introducing clearer procedures for documentation and dispute resolution. These steps are aimed at ensuring Waqf assets are used in line with their intended charitable and religious purposes.
The bill’s journey through Parliament was marked by significant opposition and rigorous debate. While many hailed it as a necessary step toward transparency and reform, others raised concerns over potential misuse and the centralization of power. As a result, the legislation has already become the subject of legal scrutiny, with petitions filed in the Supreme Court challenging its constitutional validity.
Prominent political leaders have criticized the bill, alleging that it could lead to arbitrary decisions and infringe upon minority rights. Among those contesting the bill are lawmakers who argue that the amendments risk undermining the autonomy of Waqf boards and impacting community welfare initiatives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, has called the enactment a “watershed moment” and commended Parliament for passing what he described as a socially inclusive reform. He stated that the changes will contribute to ensuring socio-economic justice for underrepresented and marginalized communities, and praised members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee for their role in refining the draft.
As the law comes into effect, attention will now turn to its implementation and the legal challenges ahead. How the judiciary interprets the controversial provisions and how the government navigates the opposition’s concerns will play a pivotal role in determining the long-term impact of this legislative move.
