Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025, History, Features, Mussalman Wakf Repeal Bill 2024

Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025 has become a key point of discussion in India’s legislative and social landscape. Passed recently by both houses of Parliament, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 seeks to modernize and streamline the management of Waqf properties. Waqf legislation aims to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and social welfare while addressing longstanding issues troubling the Waqf administration.

Over the years, multiple amendments have been introduced to strengthen the administration of Waqf assets. This new amendment follows the Mussalman Wakf Repeal Bill 2024, which repealed the 1923 Act and aims to modernize Waqf management in India.

Read on to get an in-depth analysis of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, its key provisions, impact, and the broader reforms introduced to enhance Waqf property management.

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What is Waqf?

Waqf refers to a religious endowment in Islamic law, typically involving a Muslim donating property for charitable or religious purposes, such as funding mosques, schools, or community services. Once designated as Waqf, the property becomes sacred; it cannot be sold, inherited, or transferred. Its management is entrusted to the Waqf Board, a statutory body responsible for ensuring that these properties serve public welfare as intended.

Also Read: What is Waqf Board

Waqf Amendment Bill 2025

The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025 is a comprehensive effort to revamp the governance structure of Waqf properties in India. Rooted in the need for accountability and social inclusion, the legislation lays the groundwork for:

Safeguarding heritage sites.
Promoting the socio-economic upliftment of underprivileged Muslim communities.
Increasing participation from diverse Muslim sects.
Digitizing Waqf property records.
Preventing unauthorized claims and encroachments.

The Bill complements the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024, which abolished the outdated Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923, further harmonizing Waqf laws under a unified framework.

Understanding Waqf Legal Framework

The governance of Waqf properties in India has evolved through various laws:

The Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923 – Introduced to improve the management and transparency of Waqf properties.
The Waqf Act, 1954 – Established State Waqf Boards (SWBs) to oversee Waqf properties.
The Waqf Act, 1995 – Repealed the 1954 Act and introduced Waqf Tribunals for dispute resolution.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013 – Introduced stronger regulations, prohibiting the sale or gifting of Waqf properties.
Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 – Removed outdated provisions from the 1923 Act.
Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025 – Proposes modern governance mechanisms to improve efficiency, reduce litigation, and introduce transparency in Waqf property management.

Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 Features

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 introduces several key reforms to enhance the governance and transparency of Waqf properties across India. By leveraging technology and introducing new legal safeguards, the bill aims to address longstanding disputes and inefficiencies in Waqf administration. Below are the main features of this amendment:

Inclusivity in Governance: The Bill restructures the Central Waqf Council, limiting non-Muslim members to four out of 22 and ensuring broader representation from various Muslim sects. In State Waqf Boards, only 3 out of 11 members may be non-Muslims, preserving the secular nature while respecting the religious ethos of Waqf.
Empowerment of Muslim Women: The legislation emphasizes financial independence for Muslim widows and divorcees through skill development, scholarships, healthcare access, and vocational training. Legal support centers will address inheritance and family disputes, promoting justice and equality. Before property is dedicated as Waqf, inheritance rights of women must be settled. Special provisions for widows, divorced women, and orphaned daughters.
Digital Transparency: A centralized digital platform, Central Waqf Property Portal for digitized record-keeping and monitoring all Waqf assets, enabling better accountability and restraining corruption. This will also streamline coordination with local authorities and avoid wrongful claims.
Audit & Inspection Protocols: Regular financial audits and inspections are mandated to ensure judicious use of Waqf revenue. Misuse or unauthorized occupation of Waqf land will now invite legal scrutiny.
Upliftment of the Poor: Revenue generated from better-managed Waqf properties will be redirected to education, healthcare, housing, and livelihood schemes for economically weaker sections of the Muslim community.
Introduction of a Dedicated Tribunal System: Strengthens Waqf Tribunals with structured selection processes for members. Fixes tenure for tribunal judges, ensuring continuity and faster dispute resolution.
Protection of ‘Waqf by User’ Properties: All registered Waqf by User properties will remain Waqf unless contested. Currently, 4.02 lakh properties are classified as ‘Waqf by User’ out of a total of 8.72 lakh Waqf properties in India.
Government Land and Waqf Disputes: Government land wrongly declared as Waqf will be investigated by an officer above the rank of Collector. This prevents unnecessary litigation and ensures fair land allocation. As of September 2024, 5,973 government properties were declared as Waqf properties.
Reduction in Annual Contributions to Waqf Boards: The mandatory annual contribution from Waqf institutions to State Waqf Boards is reduced from 7% to 5%, easing financial burdens.

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Addressing Misuse and Legal Disputes

One of the most pressing reasons for the introduction of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025 was the rising number of legal disputes over Waqf property claims:

As of September 2024, 5,973 government properties across 25 states/UTs were declared as Waqf properties, leading to multiple litigations.
In Tamil Nadu, a farmer was unable to sell his land due to a Waqf Board claim over the entire village.
In Bihar, seven families in Govindpur are deeply involved in an argument in a legal battle against the Sunni Waqf Board.
Kerala witnessed protests from 600 Christian families over ancestral lands claimed by the Waqf Board.
In Karnataka, 15,000 acres in Vijayapura were designated as Waqf land, prompting widespread turmoil among farmers.

Such cases highlight the need for transparent and just mechanisms for property classification, something the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 aims to achieve.

State-wise Numbers & Area of Waqf Properties (as of September 2024)
Sr. No.	State Waqf Boards	Total No. of Properties	Total area in acres
1	Andaman and Nicobar Waqf Board	151	178.09
2	Andhra Pradesh State Waqf Board	14685	78229.97
3	Assam Board of Waqfs	2654	6618.14
4	Bihar State (Shia) Waqf Board	1750	29009.52
5	Bihar State (Sunni) Waqf Board	6866	169344.82
6	Chandigarh Waqf Board	34	23.26
7	Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board	4230	12347.1
8	Dadra and Nagar Haveli Waqf Board	30	4.41
9	Delhi Waqf Board	1047	28.09
10	Gujarat State Waqf Board	39940	86438.95
11	Haryana Waqf Board	23267	36482.4
12	Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board	5343	8727.6
13	Jammu and Kashmir Auqaf Board	32533	350300.75
14	Jharkhand State (Sunni) Waqf Board	698	1084.76
15	Karnataka State Board of Auqaf	62830	596516.61
16	Kerala State Waqf Board	53282	36167.21
17	Lakshadweep State Waqf Board	896	143.81
18	Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board	33472	679072.39
19	Maharashtra State Board of Waqfs	36701	201105.17
20	Manipur State Waqf Board	991	10077.44
21	Meghalaya State Board of Waqfs	58	889.07
22	Odisha Board of Waqfs	10314	28714.65
23	Puducherry State Waqf Board	693	352.67
24	Punjab Waqf Board	75965	72867.89
25	Rajasthan Board of Muslim Waqfs	30895	509725.57
26	Tamil Nadu Waqf Board	66092	655003.2
27	Telangana State Waqf Board	45682	143305.89
28	Tripura Board of Waqfs	2814	1015.73
29	U.P. Shia Central Board of Waqfs	15386	20483
30	U.P. Sunni Central Board of Waqfs	217161
31	Uttarakhand Waqf Board	5388	21.8
32	West Bengal Board of Waqfs	80480	82011.84
	Total	872328	3816291.788

Key Data on Waqf as per WAMSI

The Waqf Asset Management System of India (WAMSI) is a centralized database launched to map and monitor waqf properties. According to the latest data:

Total Waqf Properties: Over 8 lakh waqf properties are registered across India, making it one of the largest holders of immovable assets after the government.
Encroached Waqf Properties: Nearly 2 lakh properties (around 25%) are under illegal occupation, as per reports from State Waqf Boards.
Revenue Potential: Proper management of waqf assets could generate thousands of crores annually, benefiting educational, health, and welfare activities for the Muslim community.
State-wise Distribution: The states with the largest waqf land holdings include Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Digitalization Progress: As per WAMSI, about 60% of waqf properties have been geo-tagged and digitized, but challenges remain in updating records and resolving disputes.

Concerns Raised by Members

Several concerns were raised by members of Parliament and stakeholders regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025:

Ambiguity in Property Definition: Some members expressed concerns over the lack of clear criteria for identifying waqf properties, leading to potential disputes.
Encroachment and Mismanagement: There were calls for stronger legal measures to reclaim advanced properties and prevent misuse by Waqf Board officials.
Autonomy vs. Government Control: Certain members warned that excessive government oversight could undermine the independence of Waqf Boards.
Need for Wider Consultation: Some MPs suggested a more inclusive consultation process with religious leaders, legal experts, and affected stakeholders before finalizing the bill.
Revenue Utilization Transparency: Concerns were raised regarding the lack of financial transparency, with suggestions for independent audits and better financial reporting mechanisms.

These concerns indicate that while the bill aims to strengthen waqf governance, further deliberations may be needed to address the complex challenges surrounding waqf property management.

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Key Recommendations by the Joint Parliament Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025

The Joint Parliament Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, has put forward several recommendations aimed at improving the governance, transparency, and protection of waqf properties in India. Some of the key recommendations include:

Strengthening Waqf Boards: The JPC emphasized the need for greater autonomy and accountability of State Waqf Boards. It recommended streamlining their functioning and ensuring timely audits to prevent mismanagement.
Digitalization of Waqf Properties: The committee approved for mandatory digital records of all waqf properties to enhance transparency and prevent encroachments.
Simplified Leasing Process: It suggested reforming the leasing procedures for waqf properties to allow better utilization while maintaining their religious and charitable character.
Stronger Legal Framework: The JPC recommended tighter legal provisions to restrain unauthorized sales, transfers, or illegal occupation of waqf properties.
Enhanced Role of Central Waqf Council (CWC): Strengthening the CWC’s monitoring and advisory role to ensure better governance at the state level.
Public Grievance Redressal System: Setting up a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism for stakeholders affected by waqf property-related disputes.

Political Reactions to the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 triggered heated debates across party lines:

Support: The BJP, JD(S), and AIADMK supported the Bill, praising its intent to empower poor Muslims and rectify misuse of Waqf properties.
Opposition: The Congress, DMK, TMC, AAP, and RJD opposed it, calling it “anti-secular” and “unconstitutional.”
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju assured that the Bill does not infringe upon Waqf properties and is aligned with Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed allegations of communal bias, emphasizing the Bill’s objective to uplift marginalized Muslims.

Boosting Efficiency through UMEED

Union Minister JP Nadda emphasized the UMEED initiative (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development) during the Rajya Sabha debate. This framework supports:

Data-driven governance
Modern asset management
Enhanced stakeholder engagement
Reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies

Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024

Parallel to the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025, Parliament also passed the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024, officially repealing the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923. This repeal is symbolic of the government’s intent to phase out archaic laws and consolidate Waqf legislation into a more effective and contemporary framework.

Waqf Act 2013 vs. Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025
Feature	Waqf Act 2013	Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025
Tribunals	Three-member Tribunal with a Muslim law expert	Strengthened the Tribunal system with structured selection
Women’s Rights	No special provisions	Inheritance rights secured before Waqf dedication
Government Land Disputes	No clear procedure	Investigation by a high-ranking official
Digitalization	Limited provisions	Full-scale Central Waqf Portal

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Conclusion

The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025 is a crucial step in modernizing Waqf governance in India. By introducing transparency, reducing legal conflicts, and ensuring accountability, the Bill will strengthen the Waqf ecosystem. With digital tracking, non-Muslim representation, and women’s rights protections, the amendment aligns with contemporary governance standards.

As Waqf properties play a significant role in social, religious, and economic welfare, these reforms ensure they are utilized effectively for the benefit of the community while maintaining legal integrity.

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Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025 FAQs

The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in Waqf property management across India.

Yes, the bill includes digital waqf record maintenance to prevent unauthorized encroachments.

Yes, it proposes fast-track Waqf property dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce litigation.

The amendment strengthens Waqf board governance structure by introducing central oversight.

Yes, it promotes public access to waqf land records through online portals for transparency.

Absolutely, it mandates geo-tagging and Waqf land protection mechanisms to prevent misuse.

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Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025, History, Features, Mussalman Wakf Repeal Bill 2024

What is Waqf?

Waqf Amendment Bill 2025

Understanding Waqf Legal Framework

Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 Features

Addressing Misuse and Legal Disputes

Key Data on Waqf as per WAMSI

Concerns Raised by Members

Key Recommendations by the Joint Parliament Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025

Political Reactions to the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025

Boosting Efficiency through UMEED

Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024

Conclusion

Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025 FAQs

What is the objective of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025?

Does the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025 support digitalization?

Will the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2025 impact ongoing property disputes?

How does the bill affect state waqf boards?

Is public access to waqf land data included in the bill?

Will the bill help reduce encroachments on waqf land?

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