President Approves Waqf (Amendment) Bill and Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has given her approval to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, both of which were passed by the Indian Parliament during its budget session. The Law Ministry confirmed the President’s assent through notifications issued on Saturday.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Friday with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, while in the Lok Sabha, it cleared after a detailed debate with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the passage of the bills as a “watershed moment,” stating that it will benefit marginalized communities who have been denied both representation and opportunities. He emphasized that the bills would contribute to socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, focuses on enhancing the management of waqf properties across India, empowering relevant stakeholders, and utilizing modern methods to improve governance. It aims to improve the efficiency of property surveys, registration processes, and case resolutions. Additionally, it seeks to develop waqf properties for better utilization.

This bill, which was first introduced in August last year and later revised based on a Joint Parliamentary Committee’s recommendations, amends the Waqf Act of 1995. Key provisions include streamlined registration processes and the introduction of technology to enhance the operational efficiency of Waqf boards, addressing the shortcomings of the previous act.

Furthermore, the Mussalman Waqf Act of 1923 has been repealed as part of these legislative changes.