Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Overview

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 proposes significant changes to the Waqf Act, 1995, a key legislation governing the administration, protection, and regulation of waqf properties in India. These properties, endowed permanently for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law, have often been embroiled in disputes, mismanagement, and encroachments.

This amendment reflects the government's intention to ensure better governance, enhanced transparency, and digital transformation of waqf institutions, while addressing practical concerns that have persisted for decades.

What is Waqf?

The term waqf refers to a permanent dedication by a Muslim of any movable or immovable property for purposes recognized by Muslim law as religious, pious, or charitable. Once a property is dedicated as waqf, it becomes irrevocable and ceases to be owned privately; it is held in trust and managed for the benefit of the community.

The Waqf Act, 1995 consolidated and updated earlier laws on the subject and established the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards to oversee waqf affairs. However, over the years, the Act was found to be inadequate in addressing challenges such as unlawful occupation, alienation of waqf land, poor documentation, and lack of accountability.

Key Highlights of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025

• Streamlined Property Management: Aims to improve transparency and governance in Waqf property administration through digitization and regular audits.
• Protection of Property Rights: Seeks to address disputes arising from non-Muslim or government properties being declared as Waqf; notable cases reported in Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka, and Delhi.
• Women Empowerment: Focuses on improving the socio-economic status of Muslim women—especially widows and divorcees—via skill development, financial assistance, legal aid, and welfare schemes.
• Upliftment of the Poor: Ensures better use of Waqf revenues for healthcare, education, housing, and livelihood support for economically weaker sections.
• Digitization and Transparency: Introduces a centralized portal for tracking Waqf properties, improving record-keeping and curbing corruption.
• Administrative Reforms: Strengthens coordination between Waqf Boards and local authorities; promotes stakeholder rights and accountability.
• Inclusive Waqf Boards: Ensures representation from Bohra, Aghakhani, Shia, Sunni, backward classes, and local self-governments; includes non-Muslim members to enhance balance in governance.

Conclusion

The WAQF (Amendment) Bill, 2025 represents a significant stride toward transparent, efficient, and community-oriented governance of waqf properties in India. By addressing long-standing loopholes, digitizing systems, and reinforcing property protections, the amendment can transform waqf administration into a modern institutional framework.

However, effective implementation, community participation, and checks against misuse of power will be vital to ensure that the Bill’s objectives translate into real change on the ground.

Click Here to Read the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025