The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 introduces new provisions regarding Waqf properties. With Waqf boards controlling 3.9 million acres of land across the country, political tensions have escalated, and opposition parties are preparing to challenge the bill in court.
Waqf Amendment Bill 2025: The recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 has sparked significant debate nationwide. While the opposition alleges it is a conspiracy to seize Muslim land, the government claims it aims to enhance transparency and legal clarity. Opposition parties, including the Congress and DMK, are preparing to challenge the bill in the Supreme Court.
Waqf Land in India: Shocking Figures
According to information provided by Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament, Waqf boards in India control 3.9 million acres of land. This constitutes approximately 4.8% of the country's total geographical area. Comparatively, this exceeds the combined land holdings of the defense forces (1.799 million acres) and railways (1.211 million acres) – a total of 3 million acres.
Thirteen Major Cities Combined Cannot Match Waqf Land Holdings
The combined area of India's 13 major cities – including Delhi (360,000 acres), Mumbai (150,000 acres), Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad – is approximately 1.378 million acres. This pales in comparison to the 3.9 million acres held by Waqf boards alone. This figure is significant in the context of urban development in India.
Waqf Property Management: How it Works
Waqf properties are managed by an individual known as a 'Mutawalli,' responsible for their financial and administrative management. India has 32 state Waqf boards, overseen by the Central Waqf Council, which advises on policy formulation. However, concerns regarding transparency and accountability in these systems have persisted for years.
Controversy Surrounding Section 40
Section 40 of the Waqf Act of 1995 granted the Waqf Tribunal the authority to make final decisions, including declaring any land as Waqf property. The government removed this section in the 2025 amendment bill. Minister Kiren Rijiju described this provision as "extremely harsh and arbitrary," stating it led to the declaration of private properties as Waqf land.
Opposition Accusations
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut stated in Parliament that this bill is not for the betterment of Muslims but rather an attempt to seize Waqf's assets worth crores. He directly accused the government of seizing any land it deems desirable.
