Diplomat Correspondent
New Delhi,(DD): Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing that the legislation aims to enhance transparency and 2efficiency in Waqf property management, not to seize religious land.
Rijiju stated that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) conducted one of the most extensive consultations in India’s parliamentary history, reviewing over 9.7 million petitions and memorandums. The committee engaged 284 delegations, including Waqf boards from 25 states and Union Territories, legal experts, and religious leaders, before finalizing its recommendations.
Amid strong opposition protests, Rijiju dismissed claims that the bill threatens mosques or graveyards. “A false narrative is being spread that land belonging to mosques and graveyards will be taken away. Let me make it clear—this law is not meant to seize anyone’s land,” he asserted.
Key Changes in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Muslim trusts formed under any law will no longer be considered Waqf properties.
Only practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate property to Waqf.
Women must receive their inheritance share before any property is declared as Waqf.
An officer above the rank of collector will now investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
Existing Waqf tribunals will be replaced with senior government officials for dispute resolution.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the bill underwent a long and thorough consultation process before being approved by the Union Cabinet. However, opposition parties, including the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party, strongly opposed the bill, calling it an attack on Muslim institutions. Speaker Om Birla rejected their objections, stating that the government has the authority to amend the law.(DD)
