President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, formally making it law after both houses of Parliament cleared it amid intense debate.
The legislation has now been challenged in the Supreme Court by the Congress party, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), each filing separate petitions. The law, which aims to bring reforms in the management of Waqf properties, has stirred controversy, particularly among opposition parties and Muslim organisations.
The government, led by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has defended the law, calling it a move towards transparency and better governance. Officials say it seeks to prevent misuse, favouritism, and illegal encroachments on Waqf assets. The Centre insists the law is not anti-Muslim and instead intends to bring accountability to Waqf boards.
The Bill was passed after nearly six months of discussions, including a review by a joint parliamentary committee. It cleared the Lok Sabha early Thursday, with 288 MPs supporting it and 232 voting against. In the Rajya Sabha, it passed with 128 votes in favour and 95 against.
Despite the government's assurances, the new Act has drawn sharp criticism from several quarters. Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan have approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the law is discriminatory and violates the fundamental rights of Muslims. Their petitions highlight concerns that the Act unfairly targets a particular community under the guise of reform.
Joining the opposition to the law, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced a nationwide campaign. The Board said it would focus on spreading awareness, countering misinformation, and promoting peaceful protests.
The Centre, however, has remained firm in its position. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Act will bring much-needed transparency in Waqf administration. He rejected claims that the law would lead to the seizure of mosques or graveyards. “No mosque or graveyard is going to be touched,” he said.
The government has also claimed that the Act will benefit Muslim women by ensuring more equitable access and by tightening regulations around how Waqf properties are used and managed.
With the Supreme Court set to examine the petitions, the future of the Waqf (Amendment) Act remains uncertain. The case is likely to test the balance between government oversight and the rights of religious communities, a debate that has long influenced public discourse in India.
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