Modernizing Waqf Administration: The 2025 Amendment’s Path to Transparency

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, designed to substantially reform the administration of Waqf properties across India, has been passed by Parliament. Following its approval in the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha endorsed the bill with a vote of 128 to 95.

Primarily, this legislation aims to address the persistent issue of encroachment and illegal occupation of Waqf lands, a matter that dominated discussions in both houses.

Firstly, the bill empowers State Waqf Boards to seek direct intervention from District Magistrates (DMs) for eviction proceedings. Consequently, this action bypasses protracted legal battles, accelerating the recovery of Waqf assets.

During the Lok Sabha debates, Home Minister Amit Shah assured that the bill does not interfere with religious practices, emphasizing its focus on administrative efficiency. Moreover, the legislation strengthens the Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) authority within Waqf Boards, granting them expanded administrative and financial powers.

Furthermore, the bill imposes stringent penalties on those who engage in the unlawful transfer, sale, or lease of Waqf properties. In addition, it mandates the digitization of Waqf records, a measure intended to enhance transparency and accountability. Indeed, this digital transformation will establish a comprehensive database, thus mitigating opportunities for fraudulent activities.

Subsequently, the bill clarifies the definition of “Waqf” to encompass properties dedicated to public purposes, regardless of exclusive religious affiliation. Thus, this broadened definition expands the bill’s scope, bringing more properties under its purview. Therefore, this change has far-reaching implications.

Additionally, the bill mandates regular audits and inspections of Waqf properties. As a result, this measure ensures that properties are utilized for their intended purposes and that income is properly accounted for.

Tthe Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 represents a comprehensive reform effort. Finally, through these changes, the government intends to safeguard Waqf properties and optimize their utilization for community benefit.

Opposition party members such as Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi party, also stated that the bill was unconstitutional. Adding to this, congress party member Sonia Gandhi criticised the bill, stating that the government was “bulldozing” the bill through parliament.

It is imperative to know about Overview of Waqf Properties in India.

As per data available on WAMSI portal 30 States/UTs and 32 Boards reported that there are 8.72 lakh properties, covering an area of more than 38 lakh acres. Out of the 8.72 lakh properties, 4.02 lakhs are Waqf by user. For remaining Waqf properties, the Ownership Rights Establishing Documents (deeds) have been uploaded on the WAMSI Portal for 9279 cases and only 1083 Waqf deeds have been uploaded

Types of Immovable Properties

(As of March 14, 2025)

Source: https://wamsi.nic.in/wamsi/dashBoardAction.do;jsessionid=40F3DA0F79ED801CE30802EB0F326394?method=totalRegisteredProp

Data on State-wise numbers and area of Waqf properties (as of September 2024)

Sr. No.	State Waqf Boards	Total No. of Properties	Total area in Acre
1	Andaman and Nicobar Waqf Board	151	178.09
2	Andhra Pradesh State Waqf Board	14685	78229.97
3	Assam Board of Waqfs	2654	6618.14
4	Bihar State (Shia) Waqf Board	1750	29009.52
5	Bihar State (Sunni) Waqf Board	6866	169344.82
6	Chandigarh Waqf Board	34	23.26
7	Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board	4230	12347.1
8	Dadra and Nagar Haveli Waqf Board	30	4.41
9	Delhi Waqf Board	1047	28.09
10	Gujarat State Waqf Board	39940	86438.95
11	Haryana Waqf Board	23267	36482.4
12	Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board	5343	8727.6
13	Jammu and Kashmir Auqaf Board	32533	350300.75
14	Jharkhand State (Sunni) Waqf Board	698	1084.76
15	Karnataka State Board of Auqaf	62830	596516.61
16	Kerala State Waqf Board	53282	36167.21
17	Lakshadweep State Waqf Board	896	143.81
18	Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board	33472	679072.39
19	Maharashtra State Board of Waqfs	36701	201105.17
20	Manipur State Waqf Board	991	10077.44
21	Meghalaya State Board of Waqfs	58	889.07
22	Odisha Board of Waqfs	10314	28714.65
23	Puducherry State Waqf Board	693	352.67
24	Punjab Waqf Board	75965	72867.89
25	Rajasthan Board of Muslim Waqfs	30895	509725.57
26	Tamil Nadu Waqf Board	66092	655003.2
27	Telangana State Waqf Board	45682	143305.89
28	Tripura Board of Waqfs	2814	1015.73
29	U.P.  Shia Central Board of Waqfs	15386	20483
30	U.P. Sunni Central Board of Waqfs	217161
31	Uttarakhand Waqf Board	5388	21.8
32	West Bengal Board of Waqfs	80480	82011.84
	Total	872328	3816291.788

Conclusion:

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 establishes a secular, transparent, and accountable system for
Waqf administration. While Waqf properties serve religious and charitable purposes, their
management involves legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities that require structured
governance. The role of Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council (CWC) is not religious but
regulatory, ensuring legal compliance and safeguarding public interest. By introducing checks and
balances, empowering stakeholders, and improving governance, the Bill sets a progressive and fair
framework for Waqf administration in India.

---

Disclaimer

The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of any organization or entity. The author and the blog do not assume any responsibility for any losses or damages arising from the use of the information provided. For More