SRINAGAR: The Parliament on Friday passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following intense debate in both Houses. The legislation now awaits the President’s assent to become law.
According to details, the Rajya Sabha passed the Bill early Friday morning with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, after a prolonged debate led by Union Minister JP Nadda. The Lok Sabha had cleared the Bill a day earlier.
The Bill empowers district collectors to determine rightful ownership of Waqf properties and excludes Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected sites from Waqf claims. It also removes the existing bar on challenging Waqf land claims in civil courts — a move the government claims upholds constitutional rights.
Defending the legislation, Nadda stated that the amendments were thoroughly scrutinised by a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee under the Modi-led government. The committee held 36 meetings, consulted 284 stakeholders, and spent over 200 hours deliberating on the Bill — a process he said reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.
The government says that the Bill seeks to enhance accountability and curb the misuse of Waqf properties. However, opposition parties criticised the move, alleging it undermines minority rights and that their suggestions were disregarded during the drafting process.
The bill has been strongly condemned by Jammu Kashmir politicians. Members of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh also opposed the bill in parliament.
(JKNS)
