New Delhi: In a landmark parliamentary event lasting over 14 hours, the Rajya Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill in the early hours of Friday, signaling a pivotal shift in legislative oversight. The extended session, beginning Thursday afternoon and continuing beyond midnight, ended with 128 members voting in favor and 95 against.
Opposition-proposed amendments, including those from Kerala MPs, were dismissed through a voice vote. Notably, only BJP MP Suresh Gopi from Kerala supported the bill, while 18 of his state colleagues opposed it. News of the bill’s passage sparked celebratory scenes in Munambam, where locals raised slogans in support of Prime Minister Modi and Suresh Gopi.
With the Rajya Sabha’s approval, the bill now advances to the President for assent before it becomes law. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the bill, underscored its secular framework and reiterated that the Waqf Board functions as a statutory body accountable to democratic norms.
Rijiju noted that the revamped 22-member board would now include four non-Muslim representatives, a move he said reinforces inclusivity. He criticized the opposition—especially the Congress—for allegedly distorting the bill’s intent and stoking unfounded fears among the Muslim community, labeling their objections as legally baseless and politically charged.
The updated bill, revised based on recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee, aims to amend the 1995 Waqf Act. Its focus lies in streamlining administration, addressing structural inefficiencies, improving property registration, and integrating modern technology into waqf record management.
During the debate, Rijiju reiterated that the legislation addresses property governance rather than religious issues. One of its key clauses requires verifiable ownership documentation before any property can be declared as waqf, ending the previous norm of automatic claims by waqf boards.
Having already sailed through the Lok Sabha, the bill is now poised for its final step—presidential assent—before it officially becomes law.
Key features of Waqf Bill:
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fxed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.