Muslim organisations, under the banner of the Joint Forum for Waqf Protection, staged protests in Kolkata, West Bengal, against the Waqf Amendment Bill, which was passed by Parliament in the early hours of Friday. The bill now awaits President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to become law.
Protesters held placards reading, “We Reject Waqf Amendment Bill” and “Reject Waqf Bill”, while chanting:
“No matter what happens, we will reclaim our rights in any way.”
Nationwide Protests and Security Measures
Similar protests were earlier witnessed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, prompting authorities to heighten security ahead of Friday prayers.
In Uttar Pradesh, authorities also remained on high alert. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Lucknow), Ashish Srivastava, told ANI:
“We are in contact with everyone. We have asked them to make an opinion only after reading the whole Bill. We are monitoring social media constantly…We are organising foot march and route march…”
Parliament Session and Bill Approval
The Budget Session of Parliament, which began on January 31, 2025, concluded with both Houses adjourned sine die. The Monsoon Session is expected next, though dates have not been announced.
During the session:
- 10 government bills were introduced
- 16 bills, including the Waqf Amendment Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, were passed
One of the key highlights of the session was the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, which was passed after heated debates in both Houses.
- Lok Sabha Vote: 288 MPs in favor, 232 against
- Rajya Sabha Vote: 128 MPs in favor, 95 against
The bill was revised after recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which reviewed the original draft introduced in August 2024. It aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India.
Key Objectives of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025
- Address shortcomings of the Waqf Act, 1995
- Improve the efficiency of Waqf Boards
- Streamline the registration process of waqf properties
- Enhance technology integration in waqf record management
As protests continue across the country, all eyes are now on President Droupadi Murmu, whose assent will determine the bill’s final implementation.