Parliament Updates: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was cleared with a majority in the Lok Sabha late late on Wednesday, after an over 12-hour debate that saw a sharp exchange of views between the government and the Opposition. The Lower House passed the legislation with 288 in favour and 232 against it.
The bill seeks to improve the administration of Waqf properties, introduce technology-driven management, address complexities and ensure transparency.
During the debate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah targeted the Congress for allegedly spreading misinformation on the Bill, and assured that the legislation does not seek to interfere in Muslims’ religious matters. “That the Waqf bill is interference in Muslims’ religious matters and properties donated by them is fear-mongering for vote-bank,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the Bill, as proposed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee, in the Lower House for consideration and passage. He said the consultation process of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was the largest ever exercise carried out by a parliamentary panel in India’s democratic history.