​Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 Origin and Changes

Waqf Amendment Bill 2025: It was passed in the Lok Sabha with a lot of opposition by the opposition parties. The bill passed late at night. Let us understand what is waqf board and how it originated in India.

Mohammad Ghori first introduced this when he defeated Prithviraj Chauhan and later it gained momentum under the various Muslim dynasties.

The waqf system, developed under various Muslim dynasties, gained a more formal modern legal structure during British rule in the Indian subcontinent under the still applicable Indian laws when Waqf Boards were formed in 1913

ALSO READ: BPCL Sports Scholarship 2025 Avail It

Introduction of Waqf Amendment Bill

The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, which governs the management of waqf properties—charitable endowments under Islamic law. The bill proposes significant changes, including altering the composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards to include non-Muslim members. Specifically, it mandates at least two non-Muslim members on these boards and allows for non-Muslim majorities.

Mussalman Waqf Act 1923 was established for the purpose of advising it on matters pertaining to the working of the State Waqf Boards and proper administration of the Waqfs in the country. Waqf is a permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties for religious, pious or charitable purposes as recognized by Muslim Law, given by e grant is known as mushrut-ul-khidmat, while a person making such dedication is known as Wakif

The Council

The Waqf boards were constituted in 1913, during the British rule. The first legislation to regulate waqfs was enacted in 1923. It was named as ‘The Mussalman Waqf Act 1923’.

The Central Waqf Council is a statutory body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Minority Affairs was set up in 1964 as per the provision given in the Waqf Act, 1954 as Advisory Body to the Central Government on matters concerning the working of the Waqf  Boards and the due administration of Auqaf. This act was later repealed.

The existing Waqf Act was passed in 1995.

State Waqf Board

It is established by the state government. This waqf board work towards management, regulation and protect the Waqf properties by constituting District Waqf Committees, Mandal Waqf Committees and Committees for the individual Waqf Institutions.

The Waqf Boards shall be body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal with power to acquire and hold property. In the case that more than fifteen per cent of the total number of waqf property is Shia waqf, or the income thereof is more than fifteen per cent, the Act envisages a separate Shia Waqf Board.

Waqf Properties

From 1913 to 2013, the total land of the Waqf Board was 18 lakh acres. From 2013 to 2025, a new 21 lakh acres of land was added

There were 20 thousand properties given on lease, but according to the records, these properties became zero in 2025, these properties were sold

This bill will provide protection to the land, someone’s land will not become Waqf by mere declaration

Donation can be made only of one’s own property. Hence Waqf will not be able to take personal property without ownership

New Bill Provision

This new revision will enhance the accuracy of waqf property records. This revised Bill retains provisions for establishing a centralized registration system. Under this system, all information regarding waqf properties must be uploaded to a designated portal. This should happen within six months of the law’s enactment. Additionally, any new waqf property registrations must be submitted exclusively through this portal to the respective Waqf Boards.

Revised Bill brings forward the concession allowing the concerned waqf tribunal to extend the six-month deadline. If a muttawali (custodian) submits an application demonstrating sufficient cause for failing to file the property details within the stipulated period, the tribunal may grant an extension for a duration it deems appropriate.

Key Provisions of the Waqf Amendment Bill

1. Inclusion of Non-Muslim Members in Waqf Boards
   1. The bill mandates the inclusion of at least two non-Muslim members in State Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council.
   1. It also allows for the possibility of a non-Muslim majority in these bodies.
   1. This is a significant change from the previous rule, where these bodies were exclusively managed by Muslims.
2. Changes to Waqf Property Management
   1. The bill seeks to streamline the management of waqf properties by reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
   1. It introduces new rules for the sale, lease, or transfer of waqf properties to prevent corruption and ensure transparency.
3. Empowering Government Oversight
   1. The government will have more oversight on waqf properties, allowing greater intervention in their administration.
   1. This includes revisions in the process of appointing Waqf Board members and monitoring their functioning.
4. Documentation & Land Disputes Resolution
   1. Waqf Boards will be required to submit detailed records of properties under their management.
   1. The bill allows for government verification of waqf land records, then potentially addressing historical land disputes.