NEW DELHI, (IANS): The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, officially came into effect on
Tuesday following a Gazette notification issued by the Central Government.
The Act received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu
on Sunday, two days after its passage in Parliament.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2)
of section 1 of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 (14 of 2025), the Central
Government hereby appoints the 8th day of April, 2025 as the date on which the
provisions of the said Act shall come into force,” read the official
notification published in the Gazette of India.
The legislation, which amends key provisions of the
original Waqf Act, has introduced a series of significant reforms. These
include separation of trusts from Waqf entities; introduction of digital and
technological tools for property management; creation of a centralised online
portal for better transparency; restriction of Waqf property dedication to
practicing Muslims only; protection of 'Waqf by User' properties, historically
used by the community; recognition of women's rights in family Waqf, etc.
The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha in the early hours
of Friday, April 4, following a marathon 17-hour debate. The Lok Sabha had
cleared the Bill earlier in the week.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the passage of the
legislation as a "watershed moment" in India's efforts to reform and
modernise the management of Waqf properties.
According to the government, the amended Act aims to
bring transparency and accountability in the administration of Waqf properties
and ensure equitable representation of all Muslim communities in the
functioning of Waqf Boards.
However, the law has sparked strong opposition from
several political parties. Opposition leaders have accused the government of
using the legislation to further a polarising agenda.
In response to the Act’s implementation, multiple Public
Interest Litigations (PILs) have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging
its constitutional validity.
Anticipating legal pushback, the Centre has filed a
caveat in the apex court, requesting that no orders be passed without hearing
its side.
