On April 3, 2025, India’s lower house of parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which introduces significant reforms to the management of Waqf boards—organizations overseeing Muslim charitable endowments. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability within these boards by granting greater supervisory powers to government officials and including non-Muslim members in their administration. Proponents, including Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, argue that these measures will curb corruption and mismanagement.
However, the bill has faced strong opposition from various political parties and Muslim organizations. Critics contend that it undermines the autonomy of Muslim institutions and infringes upon minority rights. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition Congress Party, described the legislation as an “attack” on Muslims, expressing concerns that it could set a precedent for targeting other communities in the future.
The bill will now proceed to the upper house of parliament for further consideration. If passed, it is expected to significantly alter the governance of Waqf properties, which encompass approximately 900,000 acres across India.
