Indian Parliament Passes Waqf Amendment and Mussalman Wakf Repeal Bills
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| Topic | Relevant Facts & Figures |
|---|---|
| Legislative Measures | Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 passed by Parliament. |
| Parliamentary Approval | Rajya Sabha: Passed at 4 a.m. after 12-hour debate (128-95 votes). Lok Sabha: 288-232 votes. |
| Renaming of Bill | Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 renamed as Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill. |
| Objective | Streamline Waqf property management, repeal outdated Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, ensure transparency. |
| Key Ministers | Amit Shah (Home Minister) and Kiren Rijiju (Minority Affairs) defended the Bills. |
| Definition of Waqf | Properties dedicated to religious/charitable purposes under Islamic law; irrevocable ownership transfer to Allah. |
| States with Highest Waqf | Uttar Pradesh (27%), West Bengal (9%), Punjab (9%). |
| Central Waqf Council | Chairperson: Union Minister. Members: MPs, scholars, retired judges, 2 non-Muslims. |
| Waqf Board Composition | Includes 2 non-Muslims, 2 Muslim women, representatives from Shias, Sunnis, and backward classes. |
| Tribunal Changes | Replaces Muslim law experts with District Court judge, allows High Court appeals within 90 days. |
| Survey of Properties | District Collector replaces Survey Commissioner for property surveys. |
| Audit Requirement | Waqf institutions earning >₹1 lakh to undergo state-sponsored audits. |
| Centralized Portal | Automated management for transparency. |
| Waqf Creation Rules | Only practicing Muslims (5+ years) can dedicate property; women's inheritance prioritized. |
| Concerns | Non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, removal of Muslim law experts from Tribunals, ambiguity in 5-year practice rule. |