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President Droupadi Murmu has granted assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, marking a significant revision to the governance of waqf properties in India. The legislation, aimed at reforming the Waqf Act, 1995, was passed by the Lok Sabha on April 3 and cleared by the Rajya Sabha on April 4.
Also read: Lok Sabha passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill amid opposition protests
Originally introduced in August 2024, the Bill was reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee before being finalized. It brings sweeping changes, including renaming the 1995 Act to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act to reflect broader governance and efficiency goals.
Among key changes, only individuals practicing Islam for at least five years and owning the property may now declare a waqf. The provision for waqf by long-term usage has been removed. The law also stipulates that waqf-alal-aulad cannot infringe on legal inheritance rights, including those of women.
The Act alters the composition of the Central Waqf Council, mandating inclusion of non-Muslim members for the first time. It also permits the creation of separate Waqf Boards for the Aghakhani and Bohra communities, in addition to existing Sunni and Shia boards.
Notably, the Central government is now empowered to audit waqf accounts via the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). Further, the Act allows High Courts to hear appeals against Waqf Tribunal decisions, ending the previous finality of tribunal rulings.
