The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 late on Wednesday (April 2) after an intense 11-hour debate between the ruling party and the opposition. Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, introduced the bill, leading to a long discussion before Speaker Om Birla initiated a voice vote followed by a formal voting process.
During his closing speech, Rijiju criticized the opposition for calling the bill “unconstitutional.” He countered the claims, stating, “If the bill was unconstitutional, why hasn’t the court struck it down? We should not use terms like ‘constitutional’ and ‘unconstitutional’ so lightly.”
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, also referred to as “UMMEED” (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development) by the government, received support from Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal United (JDU), and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). Following the voting process, the bill was officially passed in the Lok Sabha.
What is the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025?
The bill aims to introduce reforms in waqf property management, enhance transparency, and streamline administration under the Waqf Act. The government argues that these amendments will empower waqf boards and improve their efficiency. However, the opposition has raised concerns over potential misuse and encroachment issues.
The bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion and approval before becoming law.
