Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 Passed: A Milestone in Reforming Religious Property Governance in India
New Delhi, April 4, 2025 – In a landmark legislative move, the Indian Parliament has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, introducing comprehensive reforms aimed at streamlining the governance, transparency, and utilization of Waqf properties across the country. The bill, passed after a 14-hour-long debate, saw 128 Members of Parliament voting in favour and 95 opposing, reflecting both broad support and notable contention.
This amendment marks one of the most significant updates to Waqf governance since the enactment of the Waqf Act in 1995, signalling the government’s push to modernize management systems while balancing religious sensitivities.
Understanding Waqf and the Need for Reform
In Islamic tradition, a Waqf is a permanent charitable endowment, typically involving immovable property such as land, buildings, or institutions, donated for religious or philanthropic purposes. These properties are managed by Waqf Boards on behalf of beneficiaries, often including mosques, schools, orphanages, or community facilities.
India has one of the world’s largest collections of Waqf assets – over 6.5 lakh registered properties—yet many of them remain underutilized, mismanaged, or embroiled in legal disputes. Weak monitoring, lack of digitization, and irregular audits have historically hindered their effective governance.
Core Objectives of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025
The primary aim of this amendment is to create a transparent, accountable, and technologically enabled system for managing Waqf properties. The following are the key areas of reform:
Digital Asset Mapping and Central Registry
For the first time, all Waqf properties will be required to be geo-tagged, digitally catalogued, and uploaded into a centralized national registry. This digitized database will be publicly accessible and regularly updated.
Why It Matters:
This measure addresses widespread issues of untraceable or duplicate records, unauthorized occupations, and fraudulent transfers. A centralized digital record ensures better oversight by the government, judiciary, and the public.
Mandatory Independent Auditing
Waqf Boards will now be legally required to conduct annual financial audits and compliance checks by third-party audit firms. Audit reports must be made public within a defined timeframe and submitted to regulatory authorities.
Why It Matters:
Historically, several Waqf Boards have operated with little to no financial transparency. Mandatory independent audits will significantly reduce misappropriation of funds, enabling better planning for community welfare.
Fast-Track Dispute Resolution Through Dedicated Tribunals
The bill proposes the creation of specialized Waqf Tribunals across states and union territories. These bodies will exclusively handle Waqf-related legal issues, such as land encroachments, trustee misconduct, and asset leasing disputes.
Why It Matters:
Over 70,000 Waqf-related disputes are pending in Indian courts, many for over a decade. These tribunals will help decongest civil courts and bring timely relief to affected communities.
Enhanced Accountability of Waqf Board Officials
To curb inefficiency and malpractice, the bill introduces stricter penalties and dismissal provisions for non-compliant or corrupt board members. There will be clearer eligibility criteria for appointments, mandatory training, and regular performance reviews.
Why It Matters:
Strengthening the ethical and professional accountability of board officials is central to restoring trust in these institutions and ensuring fair asset distribution.
Transparent Leasing and Monetization Framework
Waqf Boards will now be able to lease or develop properties under a standardized, time-bound framework, ensuring that all commercial decisions follow a transparent bidding or evaluation process.
Why It Matters:
Many valuable Waqf properties lie idle due to legal uncertainty or opaque leasing practices. With a clear framework, these assets can be monetized to generate funds for education, health, and social welfare within the community.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Support from Reform Advocates and Policy Experts
Many governance advocates and economic reformers have hailed the bill as a long-overdue step toward unlocking the full potential of community assets. They emphasize that modernizing the administration of religious endowments can empower marginalized communities through structured development, job creation, and education.
Concerns from Religious Groups and Opposition Leaders
However, some Muslim organizations and opposition parties have voiced concerns over potential central overreach and the risk of bureaucratic control over religious trusts. They argue that the state must tread carefully to preserve the autonomy of Waqf institutions, even while enforcing reforms.
To address these concerns, the government has assured that community representation on boards will remain intact and that implementation will involve consultations with stakeholders at every stage.
Implementation Plan and Timeline
The government has committed to a phased rollout of the amendment, starting with high-value properties and state capitals. Within six months, guidelines will be issued covering:
- Digital registry setup timelines
- Formation of dispute tribunals
- Auditor selection protocols
- Training modules for board officials
States will be required to align their rules with the central act within one year, ensuring uniformity nationwide.
Potential Socioeconomic Impact
If executed effectively, the bill could:
- Unlock thousands of crores in economic value from idle or encumbered properties
- Reduce poverty through income-generating community programs
- Strengthen faith-based education and healthcare infrastructure
- Curb land mafias exploiting unregulated religious lands
This is particularly critical for socio-economically backward segments of the Muslim population, who rely on Waqf-funded institutions.
Final Perspective: A Historic Move with Cautious Optimism
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 reflects a growing acknowledgment that religious institutions must evolve with modern governance needs. While challenges remain in balancing state oversight and religious autonomy, the bill has the potential to bring long-term benefits to India’s social and economic fabric – if implemented with transparency, fairness, and active community participation.
As India strives toward inclusive development and stronger public institutions, this legislation could be a turning point in how the country manages religious endowments for collective progress.
