New Delhi: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, officially became law following the assent of President Droupadi Murmu, capping off a high-voltage week of legislative drama, midnight debates, and constitutional scrutiny.
In a notification issued by the government, it stated that, “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.”
Both the Waqf Amendment Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill were passed after intense and marathon debates in both Houses of Parliament.
The Lok Sabha cleared the Waqf Bill in the early hours of Thursday, followed by a 17-hour-long session in the Rajya Sabha, which concluded Friday night. The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, also sailed through during this extraordinary sitting.
The sessions, stretching well past midnight, saw vigorous arguments between the ruling party and the Opposition, underlining the contentious nature of the bills.
Following the passage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the moment as “historic,” hailing it as a “watershed moment” in India’s legislative journey towards socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth.
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. This will particularly help those who have long remained on…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
Despite its passage, the Waqf Amendment Act is already facing legal hurdles. Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi have filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutional validity of the legislation.
Both leaders have alleged that the Bill infringes upon the rights of the Muslim community and violates fundamental constitutional principles.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the bill in both Houses, defended its provisions, stating that the Act “does not violate or take away the rights of any community.”
The Opposition, however, has roundly criticized the law, calling it “anti-Muslim,” “unconstitutional,” and a tool for undermining religious autonomy.
