President Murmu gives assent to Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025

President Draupadi Murmu on Saturday gave her formal assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, officially enacting the controversial legislation into law. The move came just days after the bill was passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha following intense and prolonged debates that extended into the early hours of the morning.

The bill’s approval also coincided with the President signing the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, which was passed by the Rajya Sabha after a 17-hour-long sitting—a day after the Lok Sabha cleared it.

The government, through a notification cited by news agency PTI, stated: “The following Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on April 5, 2025, and is hereby published for general information: The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.”

Soon after the bill cleared Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to it as a “watershed moment” in India’s journey toward transparency, socio-economic justice, and inclusive growth. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Modi said that the legislation will benefit people who have remained on the margins of society and have been denied both voice and opportunity.

“The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth,” Modi wrote, also thanking members of Parliament and citizens who contributed their feedback to the Joint Parliamentary Committee overseeing the bill’s formulation.

However, the bills were not passed without opposition. The Opposition parties strongly criticized the legislation, calling it “unconstitutional” and “anti-Muslim.” Heated debates took place in both Houses, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who tabled the bills, asserting that the amendments do not infringe on the rights of any community. He maintained that the changes are meant to enhance accountability and transparency in Waqf property management.

Despite the Centre’s assurances, the Opposition remained unconvinced, arguing that the move targets Muslim institutions and undermines their autonomy.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 is expected to bring significant changes to the administration of Waqf properties across the country, although its long-term impact—both social and political—remains to be seen.