On Saturday, April 5, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, officially making it a law after its passage in both Houses of Parliament. The bill was passed during a marathon late-night session on April 4, with the Rajya Sabha recording 128 votes in favor and 95 against. The legislation, which also included the repeal of the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, has sparked intense debate within political and religious circles, with the government asserting that the bill incorporates crucial recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee.

Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, defending the bill in the Rajya Sabha, accused opposition parties of spreading misinformation and stoking fears among the Muslim community. He stated that the new law strengthens the governance of Waqf properties and introduces a more transparent appeal system, allowing individuals to escalate disputes from Waqf Tribunals to courts. Rijiju emphasized that the bill does not permit government interference in Waqf matters but ensures due process in property declarations and dispute resolutions.

The most controversial provision relates to the composition of Waqf Boards. Rijiju questioned why statutory bodies like the Waqf Board should be exclusively composed of Muslims, arguing that in cases of interfaith disputes, a more inclusive, secular framework is necessary. However, he clarified that non-Muslims would not be involved in religious donation-related affairs. The bill’s passage has led to strong opposition from groups like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which announced a nationwide protest campaign under the slogan “Save Waqf, Save Constitution.”