The Waqf Bill 2025 - 1Min-Summary

​The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, recently passed by India's Parliament, introduces significant changes to the management of waqf properties—endowments made by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes. Key provisions of the bill include:​
The Times of India
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Wikipedia
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Press Information Bureau
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Inclusion of Non-Muslims in Waqf Boards: The bill mandates the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, aiming to promote diversity and transparency. ​
Wikipedia
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Reuters
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Government Oversight on Property Disputes: It grants the government authority to determine ownership of disputed waqf properties, a move intended to reduce corruption and improve property management.
REUTERS
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Restrictions on Declaring Waqf: Only individuals who have practiced Islam for at least five years and own the property can declare a waqf, eliminating the concept of 'waqf by user,' where properties could be deemed waqf based on prolonged use.
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
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Protection of Inheritance Rights: The bill ensures that waqf-alal-aulad (family waqf) does not deny inheritance rights to the donor’s heirs, including women.
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
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Supporters argue that these amendments will enhance transparency and curb mismanagement of waqf properties. Critics, however, contend that the bill infringes upon the constitutional rights of Muslims and could lead to the seizure of historically significant religious properties lacking formal documentation.
AP NEWS
The bill now awaits presidential assent to become law.​