New Delhi [India], April 2: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 is set to be introduced in Parliament today, bringing significant reforms to the existing Waqf Act of 1995. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain has called it a major step forward, highlighting key changes such as the removal of the ‘Waqf by user’ definition and amendments aligning the concept of Waqf with Islamic law.
Jain emphasized that the bill eliminates several “draconian provisions,” including Section 40, which previously granted the Waqf Board extensive authority to declare any property as Waqf property. Additionally, Section 85, which mandated the inclusion of an Islamic scholar in the Waqf composition, has been removed. Other repealed provisions include Sections 107, 108, and 108(A).
Despite these reforms, Jain noted that the bill remains incomplete and requires further modifications. His team has submitted recommendations to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), expressing confidence that these suggestions will be incorporated in future revisions.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who chaired the JPC on the Waqf Amendment Bill, described it as a “historic day” and stated that the legislation would particularly benefit poor and Pasmanda (backward) Muslims. He highlighted the extensive consultations with stakeholders and the rigorous discussions held by the JPC.
The bill aims to enhance the management of Waqf properties by updating definitions, streamlining the registration process, and incorporating technology for better record-keeping. It was initially introduced in the Lok Sabha in August last year, after which it was referred to the JPC for further review.
As Parliament reconvenes, both the ruling BJP-led NDA and the Opposition INDIA bloc have issued whips to their MPs to ensure attendance. With no bipartisan consensus in sight, the bill’s fate is likely to be decided by a majority vote.