President Droupadi Murmu Gives Assent to Waqf Amendment and Repeal Bills, 2025

New Delhi, April 5, 2025:
President Droupadi Murmu has given her formal assent to two key legislations — the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2025 — marking a significant milestone in the governance and modernization of waqf properties in India.

The bills were passed during the Parliament’s recent budget session. According to notifications issued by the Ministry of Law, the President’s assent was received on Saturday.

The Rajya Sabha approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, while the Lok Sabha passed it with 288 votes in favor and 232 opposed, reflecting a divided yet decisive stance in the legislative houses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the development as a “watershed moment” in India’s journey toward socio-economic justice and inclusive growth, emphasizing that the bills aim to uplift marginalized communities who have long been denied both voice and opportunity.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, amends the original Waqf Act of 1995 and introduces provisions to:

• Improve the management and development of waqf properties,

• Streamline the survey and registration process,

• Enhance transparency in dispute resolution,

• Leverage technology to increase administrative efficiency,

• Empower relevant stakeholders in waqf management.

Additionally, the Mussalman Waqf Act of 1923 has been officially repealed to avoid legislative redundancy and simplify the legal framework.

The amended bill was first introduced in August 2024 and later revised based on inputs from a Joint Parliamentary Committee. Its passage is seen as a move toward bringing modern, scientific, and transparent governance to waqf property administration across India.