Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 4: In a dramatic post-midnight session, the Rajya Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with 128 members voting in favour and 95 opposing it. The move came just a day after the bill cleared the Lok Sabha following nearly 12 hours of deliberation.
Union minister J P Nadda spearheaded the government’s defence of the bill in the Upper House, countering stiff resistance from opposition parties. Nadda criticised the Congress for mismanaging the original Waqf Act, accusing it of enabling land misuse and shielding Waqf properties from legal scrutiny.
The government argued the bill aims to introduce accountability in Waqf property management. A major reform includes removing civil court immunity for Waqf claims and empowering district collectors to resolve property disputes. Lands under the Archaeological Survey of India will now be exempt from Waqf classification.
Nadda highlighted the extensive consultation behind the bill, with a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) holding 36 meetings, hearing from 284 stakeholders, and conducting visits to 10 locations. In contrast, he criticised the UPA-era JPC for limited outreach.
Opposition parties, however, raised serious concerns. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge labelled the bill discriminatory and demanded proof for corruption allegations tied to Waqf properties in Karnataka. MPs from Congress, AAP, TMC, and others warned the bill could marginalise Muslims and open the door for similar actions against other religious institutions.
Independent MP Kapil Sibal questioned the exclusion of non-Muslims from donating to Waqf properties and called for equal reforms in Hindu religious endowments. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut mocked the government’s sudden concern for Muslims, while others called for transparency and broader consultation.
Despite criticism, the government held its ground, asserting the bill’s intent is to curb corruption and ensure fair use of endowment properties.
With Parliament’s approval secured, the bill now awaits the President’s assent to become law.