The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is a new law passed by the Parliament of India that brings several changes to the way waqf properties are managed in the country. This bill has sparked a lot of discussion, especially among Muslim communities, since it deals with religious properties that have been donated for charity or religious purposes. The bill aims to improve transparency and better management of these properties but has also raised concerns about religious rights and government control.
Let’s Understand - What is a Waqf?
A waqf is a charitable donation in Islamic tradition, It involves giving away a property like land, shops, or buildings for religious, educational, or social welfare purposes. Once a property is made a waqf, it can no longer be sold, inherited, or transferred. It is managed by a mutawalli (caretaker) and the income from it is used for the good of the community, like building mosques, schools, or helping the poor.
Background of the Waqf Law -
In India, waqf properties are managed under the Waqf Act, 1995. The Act created Waqf Boards at the state and national levels to keep records, protect, and manage these properties. However, over the years, there have been many complaints about mismanagement, illegal encroachments, and corruption in the handling of waqf lands.
To address these issues, the government decided to bring changes through the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Main Features of the Waqf Bill -
Renaming the Act
The bill proposes to rename the old Waqf Act, 1995 to the United Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995 or UWMEED Act. The government says this new name reflects its purpose to modernize waqf management and make it more efficient.
- Repealing Old Laws
The new bill plans to remove the outdated Musselman Wakf Act, 1923 to avoid confusion and make the law simpler and more consistent.
- Diversifying the Waqf Boards
Earlier, only Muslims could be members of waqf boards. Now, the new law allows non-Muslims to be members of the Central Waqf Council and state waqf boards. The government believes this will make the boards more balanced and transparent, while critics argue it interferes with religious matters.
- Clarification on Waqf Properties
The bill clarifies that government-owned land cannot be declared waqf property. If there is any confusion over whether a property belongs to the government or is waqf land, the local District Collector will check and report to the state government for a final decision.
- Tribunal Changes
Earlier, waqf disputes were handled by special Waqf Tribunals with a Muslim law expert as a member. Now, the bill replaces the expert with a district court judge and a joint secretary from the government. This move has drawn criticism for reducing community representation in waqf decisions.
- Rules for Family Waqfs
The bill ensures that waqf properties made for family benefits (called waqf-alal-aulad) must not deny the rights of legal heirs, including women. This is meant to protect women’s inheritance rights under Muslim personal law.
The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha (Lower House) in August 2024 and later passed by both houses of Parliament. The President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and it officially became a law on April 5, 2025.