After passing Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament, Muslims knocked the door of Top Court.

Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill after Rajya Sabha nod. But, Waqf war reaches Supreme Court immediately.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi |  April 5, 2025: In a marathon session that stretched into the early hours of Friday, the Parliament passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at amending the 1995 law governing Waqf properties.

The bill, which was approved by the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, underwent a tumultuous journey in both Houses of Parliament. In the Lok Sabha, the bill received support from 288 MPs, while 232 voted against it, following a grueling 12-hour debate.

The Rajya Sabha, which began debating the bill on Thursday afternoon, saw a 17-hour sitting, with the House adjourning at 4 am on Friday. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar noted that it was a “rare occasion” for the House to disperse so late.

The bill’s passage marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to reform the Waqf sector. However, the opposition has raised concerns about the bill’s potential impact on Muslim communities and the autonomy of Waqf institutions.

With the bill’s passage in both Houses, it will now be sent to the President for sign-off, paving the way for its enactment into law.

Amidst these developments, The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by the Parliament, has been challenged in the Supreme Court by Congress MP Mohammed Jawed and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

The petitioners have argued that the bill infringes upon the rights of Muslims and undermines the autonomy of Waqf institutions. The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing debate over the bill, which has been touted as a major reform initiative by the government.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, and introduce reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of Waqf properties. The bill has undergone significant changes, incorporating 25 recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) specifically designed to curb the draconian powers of the Waqf Act. These powers had enabled the arbitrary and extra-judicial seizure of land belonging to others.

Despite the government’s assurances that the bill is designed to benefit Muslim communities, opposition parties have raised concerns about its potential impact on Muslim autonomy and rights. The Supreme Court’s decision will be closely watched, as it will determine the fate of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The Waqf Amendment Bill has been a contentious issue, with Muslims opposing it due to concerns that it will limit their ability to acquire properties for Islamic purposes. On the other hand, Hindu organizations are generally supportive of the bill, as it aims to curb the practice of “Waqf by users,” which they see as an abuse of power.

However, Hindu organizations are not entirely satisfied with the bill. They had hoped that it would be given retrospective effect, which would have allowed for the re-examination of past Waqf claims. Additionally, they are disappointed that Section 3(c) of the Amendment does not provide explicit safeguards for individual Hindu landed properties and temple lands.

Many Church bodies also supported Waqf Amendment Bill in order to oppose the immense power of Waqf Board and Waqf Act 1995 to grab the land of non-Muslims including Christians.

It’s worth noting that the bill has undergone significant changes, incorporating 25 recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The government has argued that the bill aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of Waqf properties.

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__Inputs from Agencies.