Waqf bill becomes law after nod from President

On Saturday, President Droupadi Murmu approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha earlier this week following extensive discussions. After her approval, the bill is now law.

The President also approved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025. The new Waqf Act will take effect on the day the central government releases its notification in the official gazette.

The new legislation aims to enhance the management and administration of Waqf assets in India. It revised the Waqf Act of 1995, which oversees the administration of properties endowed by Muslims, and was first presented in Parliament in August of the previous year. Nonetheless, in the face of strong demonstrations from the opposition and numerous Muslim organizations, the bill was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

The amendment was presented in the Budget session of Parliament on April 2, following months of deliberations within the JPC led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal.

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Bill in the early hours of April 3, with 288 members in favor and 232 opposed after a 12-hour debate. The Rajya Sabha subsequently approved the bill on April 4, with 128 members voting in support and 95 against it.

Opposition parties have condemned the new Waqf law, labeling it unconstitutional and biased against Muslims. Nonetheless, the central government has asserted that it was not a measure against Muslims, and the new law was intended to enhance transparency in the management of Waqf properties.

As per the new legislation, the Waqf Council must include a maximum of four non-Muslim members, which must consist of two female members. Additionally, high-ranking officials above the level of district collectors will now make the ultimate decision on whether a property is designated as Waqf or owned by the government.

Several leaders from opposition parties, such as the Congress, AIMIM, and AAP, have submitted individual petitions contesting the new Waqf law in the Supreme Court. Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan submitted the petitions in the Supreme Court, asserting that the bill constitutes a “clear infringement of the fundamental rights of Muslims”.

The Waqf Bill – now an Act – has sparked splits within the ruling NDA, as five senior leaders from the Janata Dal (United) led by Nitish Kumar resigned from the party on Friday. The resignations occurred before the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar, which are scheduled for later this year.