In early 2025, the Indian Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, a legislative update that has quickly become one of the most polarizing topics in the country. The Act, which aims to reform the management and governance of Waqf properties, has been met with widespread protests and political backlash, particularly from states like West Bengal.
While proponents see the amendment as a step toward greater transparency and efficiency, critics argue it infringes on religious autonomy and disproportionately targets the Muslim community.
📜 What Is Waqf? A Quick Background
The term Waqf refers to a religious endowment made by Muslims, typically for charitable or religious purposes. These endowments include land, buildings, or other assets donated permanently and managed for the benefit of mosques, madrasas, graveyards, orphanages, and social services.
The Waqf Boards—state-level statutory bodies—are responsible for managing and regulating these properties under the Waqf Act of 1995, which this new amendment seeks to change.
⚖️ Key Features of the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025
- Centralized Oversight
- The amendment strengthens the role of the Central Waqf Council, giving it more authority over state Waqf Boards.
- Allows for direct intervention by the central government in disputes and auditing.
- Digital Record-Keeping
- Mandates digitization of all Waqf property records.
- Introduces an online public portal for transparency.
- Stricter Regulations on Property Leasing & Sale
- Places stronger controls on leasing, selling, or transferring Waqf land.
- Requires approval from a central authority for any such decisions.
- Audit & Financial Reporting
- Introduces mandatory annual audits of all Waqf properties and funds.
- Penalizes boards or individuals for mismanagement or non-compliance.
- Removal of Discretionary Powers
- Limits the discretionary powers of Mutawallis (custodians or caretakers of Waqf properties).
🔥 Why Is the Waqf Amendment Act Controversial?
Despite intentions to improve transparency, the Act has ignited protests due to several perceived concerns:
🛑 1. Infringement on Religious Freedom
Many Muslim leaders argue that the Act gives the government excessive control over religious institutions, violating the community’s autonomy.
🛑 2. Political Motive Allegations
Opposition parties claim the Act is politically motivated, targeting Muslims and their religious infrastructure.
🛑 3. State vs. Centre Conflict
States like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have refused to implement the Act, calling it unconstitutional and a breach of federalism.
🛑 4. Mass Protests and Communal Tensions
The Act has led to widespread protests, especially in districts with large Muslim populations such as Murshidabad (West Bengal), Malappuram (Kerala), and Hyderabad. Some of these have turned violent, prompting police crackdowns and curfews.
🗣️ Political Reactions
✔️ Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal CM)
“This law will not be applicable in our state. The Centre cannot dictate how religious institutions are managed here.”
✔️ Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM)
“The government is interfering with Islamic institutions under the guise of transparency. This is nothing but institutional harassment.”
✔️ BJP Response
“The Act is designed to clean up Waqf Boards, many of which are plagued with corruption and illegal land grabs. Transparency should not be feared.”
🌍 Impact on the Muslim Community
- Fear of Land Seizure: Many believe this is an attempt to control or even seize Waqf lands under government supervision.
- Erosion of Trust: Muslim communities feel marginalized by what they see as yet another discriminatory policy.
- Administrative Overlap: Uncertainty over who controls Waqf property—central authority, state board, or mutawallis—has created administrative confusion.
🔍 Legal Experts Weigh In
Some legal scholars believe that parts of the Act may violate Article 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees religious communities the right to manage their own affairs. There are expectations of judicial challenges in the Supreme Court if the Act is enforced uniformly across states.
📌 Conclusion
The Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 is more than just a property management reform; it has become a symbol of deeper political, religious, and communal fault lines in India. While the goals of transparency and accountability are commendable, they must be pursued with community consent, legal clarity, and cultural sensitivity.
Only time will tell whether this Act will withstand political opposition, legal scrutiny, and public resistance—or become another chapter in India’s long-standing struggle between secularism and state control.
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