The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 has sparked one of the biggest legal and political storms in India this year. Amending the original Waqf Act of 1995, the new law has triggered nationwide protests, heated political debates, and a high-stakes legal battle in the Supreme Court of India. While the central government claims the amendments are essential for transparency, anti-corruption, and better governance, critics argue that the law infringes upon religious freedom, violates minority rights, and could undermine Muslim control over religious properties.
What Is the Waqf Act and Why Was It Amended?
The Waqf Act, 1995 was enacted to regulate Muslim charitable endowments (waqf properties), which include mosques, dargahs, burial grounds, schools, shops, and land donated for religious or social welfare. These waqf assets are valued at over $14 billion, making them a major religious and economic resource.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 aims to curb mismanagement, corruption, and lack of transparency by introducing stricter oversight. The government claims these reforms will lead to better administration, protection of heritage sites, and safeguarding of community interests.
The bill was passed amid intense debate:
- Rajya Sabha: 128 votes for, 95 against
- Lok Sabha: 288 votes for, 232 against
- Presidential assent: Granted on April 5, 2025
Why Is the Amendment Facing Backlash?
The Act has faced widespread criticism from opposition parties, Muslim organizations, and civil rights activists. Opponents argue the law:
- Violates Article 14 (Right to Equality)
- Violates Articles 25 & 26 (Freedom of Religion)
- Violates Article 29 (Minority Rights)
- Violates Article 300-A (Right to Property)
Critics allege that the amendment gives excessive power to the government over religious endowments, undermining the autonomy of the Muslim community. Key voices of opposition include:
- AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi
- Congress MP Mohammad Jawed
- Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind
- All India Muslim Personal Law Board
- Leaders from Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, CPI, AAP, and others
Protests and Unrest Across India:
Massive demonstrations have erupted, particularly in Muslim-majority regions like Murshidabad (West Bengal). Tragically, some protests turned violent, leading to:
- 3 deaths
- 150+ arrests
- Deployment of paramilitary forces ordered by the Calcutta High Court
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee condemned the violence, declared that the state will not implement the Act, and urged for peace and legal redressal.
These protests reveal deeper anxieties about communal polarization, identity politics, and government overreach—especially in states where Muslims form a significant percentage of the population.
Supreme Court Challenge: Is the Amendment Unconstitutional?
On April 16, 2025, the Supreme Court of India began hearing 73 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
The three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna is evaluating whether:
- The law violates fundamental rights
- The Act is discriminatory or arbitrary
The petitioners have also requested a stay on implementation, while the government has filed a caveat to prevent ex parte orders. Seven states, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand, have supported the Act, calling it essential for reform and legally sound.
Political and Social Impact
The debate over the Waqf Amendment Act goes beyond law—it reflects the ongoing battle over secularism, minority rights, and political power in India.
While the BJP government claims the law is a step toward anti-corruption and administrative accountability, opposition leaders such as Rahul Gandhi have labeled it as a direct attack on Muslim identity and autonomy.
The issue has deepened communal tensions, with both ruling and opposition parties using it to mobilize voters and shape narratives, particularly ahead of elections.
Final Thoughts: Why the Waqf Amendment Act Matters
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 is more than just a legal reform—it's a litmus test for India's constitutional democracy. The ongoing Supreme Court case will decide not only the fate of waqf properties but also the future of religious freedom, minority rights, and federal balance in India.
As the nation awaits the verdict, this legislation remains at the heart of India's most polarizing national debate, symbolizing the fragile balance between reform and religious rights in the world's largest democracy.
