What is Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025? Check its Features and Major Benefits

WAQF (Amendment) 2025 is a major update to the existing WAQF laws in India. It is introduced to address many ongoing issues related to WAQF properties and their management. Over the years, the abuse of WAQF board, lack of transparency and poor management have caused concern. The new bill brings change to make the system more equitable, modern and inclusive. It is also committed to helping women and vulnerable groups through better policy and legal support.

#rajyasabha Pass the WAQF (Amendment) Act, 2025 and Mousalman WAQF (Repeal) Act, 2025 after proper discussion and consideration. The landmark legislation aims to increase transparency, accountability and supervision over regulation #WAQF Properties in India,… pic.twitter.com/aj3clnkuqy

– Ministry of Ethnic Minority Affairs (@momaindia) April 4, 2025

What is WAQF?

WAQF is a traditional Islamic practice in which Muslims donate property for religion or charity. These characteristics are often used to build mosques, schools, hospitals, or other welfare projects.

What is the function of WAQF?

In WAQF, once the property is declared as a WAQF, it is inalienable, meaning it cannot be sold. In WAQF, property belongs to God. All its functions are detailed:

  • Inalienable: Once the property is declared as a WAQF, it cannot be sold, talented or inherited.
  • Permanent: Property belongs to God, and its purpose remains eternal.
  • Charity Use: For the benefit of the community, especially those in poverty and needy

Why is it necessary to modify WAQF in 2025?

Over the years, several issues have arisen when managing WAQF properties. The WAQF (Amendment) bill was introduced to address these issues and bring transparency, accountability and equity.

What are the existing challenges in the WAQF Act?

question

describe

❌Laser transparency

Poor recordkeeping and accountability in property management

📋Incomplete land records

Many WAQF attributes are not monitored or updated in land records

⚖️Legal disputes

More than 21,000 cases related to embezzlement and claims

🚫Abuse of power

The WAQF Board may declare any property as a WAQF without the need for correct proof

📉Mis management

Weak financial audits, inefficient management and poor maintenance

👩‍🦰Gender inequality

Muslim women have limited rights in inheritance and interests

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Lack of representation

Stakeholders, especially those from smaller denominations, are excluded

What major reforms did WAQF propose in 2025?

The bill aims to modernize WAQF property management, ensure community welfare and protect personal property rights.

Key benefits:

1. Property rights and dispute resolution

  • Prevent the WAQF Board of Directors from arbitrarily requesting land
  • Special focus on resolving disputes over non-Muslim and government property

Some ongoing cases (as of 2024):

state

dispute

Tamil Nadu

Farmer cannot sell his land due to WAQF claims throughout the village

Bihar

WAQF claims that the entire Govindpur village affects seven families

Kerala

600 Christian families questioning ancestors’ claims about WAQF

Karnataka

WAQF Board of Directors announces 15,000 acres of WAQF land in Vijayapura

Punjab

Punjab WAQF Board requires land owned by education sector

Delhi

More than 350 properties under Mohua’s leadership due to WAQF claims

2. Authorized Muslim women

The bill supports the economic and legal rights of Muslim women, especially widows and divorce.

Women’s Welfare Initiative: Promoting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Financial Independence. Transparency of digital WAQF records. Provide legal aid for inheritance disputes. Run healthcare, pension and career plans.

WAQF (Amendment) Act, 2025: Benefits of the Act

🔹WAQF (Amendment) Act, 2025, aims to simplify the management of WAQF properties and provide provisions to protect heritage and promote social welfare

🔹The rights of Muslim women and law heirs-The bill also seeks… pic.twitter.com/zd8moxtpsl

– Indian PIB (@pib_india) April 3, 2025

What are the key areas of WAQF Amendment Act?

In the 2025 WAQF Amendment, the main focus is on girls and skills training in fashion, health and entrepreneurship. It is also legally supported in domestic and inheritance issues. Widow’s pension plan is also focused on the new amendment.

3. Support the poor and marginalized

WAQF property has always served the poor. The bill strengthens this role.

Enhanced benefits:

  • Centralized digital portal for monitoring WAQF attributes
  • Regular audits to prevent corruption
  • Better use of income from education, health care and housing
  • Increase accountability through inspection

4. Improve governance and transparency

The WAQF Act strengthens coordination between the WAQF board and local authorities to make governance smoother.

Governance reform:

  • Simplified decision-making process
  • Timely investigation and update of property records
  • Transparent financial report
  • Strong legal framework to protect rights

5. Inclusiveness and representation

The new laws ensure better representation of different Muslim communities, even non-Muslims.

WAQF Board of Directors:

group

express

Bohra & Aghakhani

Each member per member (if Auqaf exists)

Shiites and Sunnis

Fair Representative

Backward Muslim lesson

include

Local body

2 elected members from Panchayats/City

Non-Muslim

2 members (excluding Ex-Officiio)

Conclusion: A step towards equity and development

The WAQF (Amendment) Act, 2025, is a gradual step towards better management of religious and charitable assets in India. It ensures:

  • Transparency and accountability in property handling
  • Fair rights of women and marginalized groups
  • Resolution of long-term property disputes
  • Inclusion Representatives in WAQF

Although WAQF remains a religious and charity, its administration will now follow a more legal and regulatory approach that protects the rights of all communities and strengthens social welfare.