Why is everyone furious about the Waqf amendment bill?
EXPLAINED
Hey there,
It’s Thursday, and we’re very close to the weekend!
Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s stirring up debates across the country - the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
What’s the deal with Section 40?
Why is its omission such a big deal?
And what does this mean for Waqf properties and governance in India?
From fiery parliamentary debates to concerns about transparency and minority rights, we’re breaking it all down for you, but of course, minus the legal jargon plus with the clarity you need.
So, let’s get started…
What’s this Section 40 anyway?
It is the Waqf Board’s superpower. It allowed them to decide whether a property should be classified as Waqf land.
But, what is a Waqf land?
A Waqf land is a property that has been permanently dedicated to religious, charitable, or community use under Islamic law.
The owner of the land donates it as Waqf, meaning it cannot be sold, transferred, or inherited, and its benefits must be used for religious or public welfare purposes, such as mosques, schools, hospitals, or shelters.
In India, Waqf properties are managed by the Waqf Board, a statutory body that oversees and protects these assets. The Board could investigate and declare properties as Waqf, and its decision was final unless overturned by a tribunal. This meant the Board had the upper hand in determining what lands fell under Waqf control.
But with this Bill, the government wants to scrap that entirely.
The argument? Too many disputes and lack of transparency.
The move, they say, will prevent misuse and ensure that property classifications aren’t just in the hands of one entity.
Why are people upset?
Opposition leaders and many in the Muslim community argue that removing Section 40 makes the Waqf Board practically powerless.
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee didn’t mince words when he said, “Without Section 40, the Waqf Board is just a toothless doll.”
The concern is that without this authority, protecting Waqf properties will become difficult, and it could open the door for government overreach.
And what’s the Government’s take on this?
The ruling party says this is about fairness and preventing arbitrary land claims.
They argue that Section 40 has been misused to classify non-Waqf properties as Waqf, leading to legal battles and tension between communities.
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju even called Section 40 “draconian.”
Their stance? Scrapping it will mean fewer disputes, more transparency, and better communal harmony.
So, where do we go from here?
After a marathon 12-hour debate, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
The ruling party stands by its claim that the Bill ensures fairness and transparency, while the opposition continues to call it an attack on minority rights.
But this isn’t the end of the road. The next stop is the Rajya Sabha, where another heated debate is expected. Eight hours have been allocated for the discussion, and you can bet that every minute will be intense.
So, what’s your take?
Is this a step toward better governance, or does it weaken the Waqf Board beyond repair?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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See ya 👋
