Justifying the recent Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday clearly stated that the new law will end years of injustice and corruption and usher in an era of justice and equality towards the Muslim community.
Speaking at News 18's Rising Bharat Summit, Shah categorically dismissed rumours that the new Act is intended to usurp the religious rights of Muslims. Shah also added that through the Act, the Waqf Board and Waqf properties will become more accountable, transparent, and equitable. This will undoubtedly benefit the poor, women, and children of the Muslim community. He further stressed that those opposing waqf act have vested interests.
"The argument that the new Waqf law is designed to diminish the rights of Muslims is nothing but a tactic to make minorities fearful and to build votebanks based on fear. This is a huge misconception that this Act will interfere with the religious conduct of Muslims and interfere with the property donated by them," Shah added. The contentious legislation was passed by Parliament this week after two marathon debates in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
In the Upper House, the Bill was cleared with 128 votes in favour and 95 against—a narrower margin compared to the Lok Sabha, where it passed with a lead of 56 votes. The Ministry of Minority Affairs announced on Tuesday that Act officially came into effect from April 8. The Home Minister also remarked that the amended Waqf Act was not intended to garner votes, but it was intended to correct years of injustice towards the Muslim community, and more particularly Muslim women.
Key reforms introduced by the Act include the separation of trusts from Waqf. Under this provision, trusts created by Muslims under any law will no longer be considered Waqf, ensuring that individuals retain full control over their trusts and the management of their assets. Another significant change is the introduction of technology to modernize the management of Waqf properties.
The implementation of the Waqf (Amendment) Act has been met with controversy, particularly from religious and political groups, who argue that some of the amendments undermine religious autonomy and the rights of the Muslim community.
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