Understanding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Addressing Myths and Facts

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, recently passed by India’s Parliament, introduces significant reforms to the management of waqf properties—assets donated for Muslim religious, educational, or charitable purposes. The legislation has sparked diverse opinions, leading to various misconceptions. This article aims to clarify the bill’s key provisions and address prevalent myths, drawing upon multiple authoritative sources.

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Key Provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025:

1. Inclusion of Non-Muslim Members: The bill proposes the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and state waqf boards to promote diversity and transparency in the management of waqf properties.

2. Government Authority in Disputed Properties: It grants the government authority to determine ownership of disputed waqf properties, aiming to resolve longstanding legal disputes and enhance administrative efficiency.

3. Time-Bound Resolution of Disputes: The bill introduces a 12-year cap for resolving legal disputes related to waqf properties, intending to decongest courts and clarify property titles.

4. Mandatory Inclusion of Muslim Women: For the first time, the bill mandates the inclusion of Muslim women in waqf boards, promoting gender inclusivity in decision-making processes.

5. Removal of ‘Waqf by User’ Provision: The bill removes the provision that allowed properties to be declared as waqf based solely on long-term usage by the Muslim community, aiming to prevent unauthorized claims.

Addressing Common Myths:

• Myth: The bill enables the government to seize legitimate waqf properties.​

  Fact: The bill does not authorize the government to take over legitimate waqf properties. It allows authorities to review and rectify wrongful classifications, particularly if a property is mistakenly identified as waqf. ​

• Myth: The inclusion of non-Muslim members undermines the Islamic character of waqf boards.​

  Fact: The inclusion aims to enhance transparency and does not alter the religious nature of waqf properties. ​

• Myth: The removal of the ‘waqf by user’ provision disregards historical waqf sites.​

  Fact: The bill seeks to prevent fraudulent claims and does not affect the status of legitimate, historically significant waqf properties.

Diverse Perspectives:

Supporters of the bill, including Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, argue that these amendments will curb corruption and improve the management of waqf properties. Conversely, critics, including opposition parties and Muslim organizations, contend that the bill could infringe upon Muslim property rights and is an attempt to control assets owned by the Muslim community. ​

As the bill awaits presidential assent, it continues to be a focal point of national debate, reflecting the complexities of balancing administrative reforms with the preservation of minority rights.​

Excerpt: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduces key reforms to waqf property management, aiming to enhance transparency and inclusivity while addressing various misconceptions.