The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, recently passed in the Indian Parliament, is aimed at addressing longstanding issues related to the management of waqf properties. Waqf properties are assets donated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law, such as mosques, schools, or hospitals. These properties are managed by Waqf Boards, which have faced challenges like encroachment, corruption, and lack of transparency over the years.
The bill introduces reforms to enhance accountability and transparency in waqf property management. Key provisions include stricter regulations to prevent illegal encroachments, faster eviction processes for unauthorized occupants, and mandatory financial audits to curb corruption. It also proposes the creation of a centralized digital registry for waqf properties, ensuring better record-keeping and monitoring.
Supporters of the bill, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, have emphasized its potential to eliminate corruption and illegal occupation of waqf properties. They believe the reforms will benefit poor Muslim families and ensure that waqf assets are used effectively for their intended purposes. The bill is seen as a significant step toward modernizing waqf administration and safeguarding these properties for social and religious welfare.
However, the bill has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that increased government oversight could undermine the autonomy of Waqf Boards and lead to interference in religious institutions. Opposition parties have raised concerns about the bill’s implications for minority rights, calling it “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.”
Despite the debates, the bill’s passage marks a historic moment in waqf governance, aiming to balance transparency and accountability with the protection of religious and charitable assets.
