Subhechcha Ganguly 
Parliament has approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with the Rajya Sabha passing it in the early hours of Friday following a 12-hour debate. The Bill was cleared with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, while the Lok Sabha had already passed it on Thursday with a 288-232 vote.
Announcing the results, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said, “Ayes 128 and Noes 95, Absent zero. The Bill is passed.” The Upper House, which convened for a marathon 17-hour session, also passed the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024.
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the Bill, stated that the amendments aim to strengthen waqf property regulations without government interference. He dismissed opposition claims, asserting that the Bill will benefit millions of Muslims and incorporates key recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee.
The debate witnessed sharp exchanges between opposition and treasury benches. Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain criticized the Bill, while BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agrawal countered with allegations related to past political events. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge called the Bill “unconstitutional,” claiming it suppresses Muslims and benefits corporate interests. Meanwhile, BJP leader JP Nadda accused Congress of marginalizing Muslim women, citing the Modi government’s ban on triple talaq.
Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MP Fouzia Khan and BJD MP Muzibulla Khan opposed the Bill, though BJD’s Sasmit Patra extended his support. The Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir condemned the legislation and hinted at a Supreme Court challenge.
The Bill, now awaiting the President’s assent, seeks to amend the 1995 law governing waqf properties.
