In a significant legislative development, President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, ushering in a new era of reform aimed at increasing transparency, accountability, and public participation in the administration of Waqf properties across India.
🏛️ What Is the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025?
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is an amendment to the Waqf Act, 1995 — a law that governs religious endowments made by Muslims for charitable and religious purposes. The amended act introduces key changes to curb alleged misuse of waqf properties, promote transparency in their management, and ensure fair and inclusive administration.
🔑 Key Highlights of the Amendment
- Public Access to Records:
The amendment mandates the digitalization of waqf property records and public access through an open database, enabling greater scrutiny and transparency. - Restrictions on Unilateral Declarations:
The Act disallows the unilateral declaration of properties as Waqf without prior notice to interested parties, protecting property owners from sudden or retrospective claims. - Independent Inquiry Mechanism:
A new clause empowers the establishment of an independent tribunal to hear disputes related to waqf property claims, ensuring timely and unbiased resolutions. - Stricter Penalties for Mismanagement:
Officials or boards found mismanaging waqf assets will face stronger penalties and disciplinary action, promoting better governance. - Community Representation:
The Act encourages diverse representation on Waqf Boards, including professionals and women, for more inclusive decision-making.
📜 Why This Amendment Matters
Over the years, waqf properties — which number in the hundreds of thousands across India — have been marred by allegations of illegal encroachments, mismanagement, and opaque dealings. The 2025 amendment seeks to restore faith in the system by empowering local stakeholders and bringing waqf affairs into the public domain.
🗣️ Government’s Perspective
The government has described the move as a “historic correction” and a “step toward balanced secularism,” emphasizing that no community should be left vulnerable to lack of legal safeguards or transparency.
“This amendment ensures that every citizen, regardless of religion, is protected by the rule of law and that religious endowments serve their true purpose,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
📌 What’s Next?
With the President’s assent, the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is now law. Implementation will follow through a national rollout of the digital registry and state-level notifications, expected over the next few months.