Congress workers during a protest rally against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, in Kolkata, on Thursday. PTI Photo
LIVE | Rajya Sabha passes Waqf Bill (128-95)
While the Opposition questioned the timing and intent of the govt, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated that the Bill won’t step on the rights of the Muslim community
After a 13-hour debate, the Rajya Sabha has cleared the controversial Waqf Bill, with by 128 members voting in favour and 95 against.
The government maintained that the bill is not directed against Muslims, instead it only aims to bring greater transparency in the administration of Waqf properties, but the Opposition said it's a ploy to alineate the minority community.
While the Opposition MPs questioned the timing and intent of the Bill, Union Minister JP Nadda defended the Centre’s stand, wondering why India’s can’t do it when even Muslim countries like Iraq have amended the Waqf law.
In another development, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which earlier announced to oppose and vote against the contentious Bill urged its members to “exercise their conscience” during voting and chose not to issue any whip.
Also read:
Waqf Bill: History will never forgive this betrayal, Owaisi tells Naidu, Nitish
Waqf bill: Congress issues whip to its Lok Sabha MPs for next 3 days
Waqf bill showdown: INDIA bloc holds meeting to formulate joint strategy
Follow Live updates below:
Live Updates
- 2 April 2025 2:27 PM IST
MK Stalin writes to PM Modi to withdraw Waqf Bill
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin writes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge the Union Government to completely withdraw the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The State of Tamil Nadu is in the forefront of protection of the rights of Minorities, who live in harmony and religious amity in the State.
The proposed amendments to the Waqf Act,1995 have not taken into consideration the constitutional protection given to Minorities and are bound to severely harm the interest of Muslim community.
The amendments proposed to the Waqf Act will weaken the powers and responsibilities of Waqf Boards in the management and protection of waqf properties.
The proposed mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in State Waqf Boards will undermine the religious autonomy of the Muslim community’s ability to manage its religious and charitable endowments independently.
The stipulation that individuals who practiced Islam for at least five years only can donate properties to Waqf will prevent Non-Muslims from donating properties to Waqf which will hinder the syncretic culture of the country.
Since the existing Waqf Act,1995 is adequate and has clear-cut provisions to safeguard the interest and properties of Waqfs, it is our view that there is no need for such amendments to the existing Waqf Act, 1995.
- 2 April 2025 2:16 PM IST
RS Prasad concludes. Next Speaker, Samajwadi MP Akhilesh Yadav
Prasad concludes. Akhilesh Yadav to speak next.
- 2 April 2025 2:15 PM IST
Can't support vote bank politics: Ravi Shankar Prasad
Their (Congress) grouse is a long-standing one since the days of the Shah Bano judgment; they overturned that judgment. When the Shayara Bano case (triple talaq) went to courts, their (UPA) government didn't file a reply in the court for 2 years and finally when we came to power, Modi ji asked me to publicly support the fight against triple talaq. They had the same attitude on Article 370. This is the story from 1986 to 2020. This will not be allowed to go on any further. Why should this country suffer because of vote bank politics? They created a storm in CAA and now they are doing the same on Waqf. This country is as much of Hindus as it is of Muslims but Muslims have to decide who their role models will be," says Prasad.
- 2 April 2025 2:12 PM IST
Mutawali is just a manager: Ravi Shankar Prasad
"Waqf is not a religious but a statutory body. The role of a Mutawali in Waqf is merely that of a manager. The property is not entrusted to a Mutawali. He is just a manager. If a Mutawali is looting waqf property, can a government stay quiet? There are 8 lakh properties, including graveyards, but how many schools, hospitals, vocational training centres, homes for widows, elderly or children have been made on these waqf properties?" says Prasad.
- 2 April 2025 2:04 PM IST
"This is an Act for the progress and rights of women and backwards among Muslims. How can it be unconstitutional? Why do they (Opposition) have a problem with backward Muslims and women being given representation in waqf boards," says Prasad.
- 2 April 2025 1:59 PM IST
Govt can amend Waqf law: Ravi Shankar Prasad
Constitution gives government powers to amend Waqf law: Ravi Shankar Prasad
- 2 April 2025 1:55 PM IST
AIMPLB to challenge Waqf Bill in court, hold nationwide protests
The AIMPLB Vice President Mohammad Ali Mohsin said the Muslim body "categorically rejects" the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, describing it as discriminatory, communally motivated and a blatant infringement on the constitutional rights of Muslim citizens.
He said that the Bill undermines fundamental principles of religious freedom, equality and justice, enshrined in Articles 14, 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
The JPC's report, according to the AIMPLB, failed to address these concerns and instead perpetuated the Bill's flaws.
