Waqf (Amendment) Act Comes Into Effect, Centre Issues Notification
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which seeks to streamline the management and administration of Waqf properties in India, officially came into effect on Tuesday, following its approval by Parliament and the President’s assent.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs issued a notification confirming the implementation of the law, stating, “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 (14 of 2025), the Central Government hereby appoints the 8th day of April, 2025 as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force.”
Passed after two days of intense debate in both Houses of Parliament, the bill cleared the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, and the Lok Sabha with 288 supporting and 232 opposing votes. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on Saturday.
The legislation has sparked considerable controversy. Opposition parties, led by the Congress, have labelled the law as “unconstitutional” and “anti-democratic,” alleging that it interferes with the religious rights of minorities. One of the major points of contention was the provision allowing non-Muslims to be appointed to Waqf Boards—an issue that has drawn sharp criticism from both political leaders and community organisations.
“The government is attempting to impose control on institutions that are deeply rooted in religious tradition. The inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards is unacceptable,” said Congress MP Mohammad Jawed during the parliamentary debate.
Several Muslim organisations, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, have joined hands with opposition leaders like AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi to challenge the legislation in the Supreme Court. The petitioners argue that the law infringes upon fundamental rights and discriminates against the Muslim community.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the petitions on April 16. In a preemptive move, the Centre has filed a caveat in the court, requesting that no interim relief be granted without hearing its side.
One of the key changes introduced by the amendment is the rebranding of the Waqf framework as “Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development” (UMEED). The new law seeks to modernise the functioning of Waqf Boards by digitising records, simplifying registration, and ensuring accountability in the management of properties.
Significantly, the Act mandates that only lawful owners can create a waqf and prohibits such creation from infringing upon inheritance rights, including those of women and other legal heirs.
As the political and legal battles around the Waqf (Amendment) Act intensify, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing. The outcome could set a major precedent for how religious and charitable properties are managed in the country.
