August 1, 2025 — The Indian Parliament has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, paving the way for the inclusion of non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards for the first time since the enactment of the Waqf Act in 1954. The Bill received presidential assent on April 5, 2025.
The new legislation amends key provisions of the Waqf Act, allowing state governments to nominate up to two non-Muslim individuals to the State Waqf Boards. These members must possess experience in areas such as administration, law, or social work and will serve in a non-executive capacity. The central government stated that the amendment is aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the management of Waqf properties across the country.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Rajeev Sharma, while introducing the bill in the Lok Sabha, stated, “This legislation is not intended to interfere in religious matters but to ensure that public assets donated for charitable causes are properly managed. It is a step towards good governance in religious institutions.”
The ruling government described the bill as a historic reform to curb alleged irregularities and mismanagement within the Waqf Boards. However, the amendment has drawn sharp criticism from several opposition parties, including the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Opposition leaders have termed the move an infringement on the rights of the Muslim community to independently manage its religious affairs.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, speaking in Parliament, said, “This amendment is unconstitutional and an unnecessary interference in minority institutions. Waqf is a religious matter and should remain under the control of the Muslim community.”
Legal experts remain divided on the constitutional implications of the amendment. Some believe it contradicts the provisions of Articles 25 to 30 of the Constitution, which safeguard religious freedom and minority rights. Others argue that Waqf properties, being public in nature and often involving substantial assets, require regulatory oversight, regardless of religious affiliation.
The government has clarified that the non-Muslim members will not be involved in religious decision-making but will contribute to improving the operational efficiency of the boards. According to official sources, revised guidelines for State Waqf Boards are expected to be released within the next six months.
The Waqf Boards are responsible for managing properties dedicated to religious, charitable, and community welfare activities for Muslims in India. The new amendment is seen as part of a broader effort to reform the governance of religious institutions in the country.
With the law now in effect, attention turns to how state governments implement the changes and how the community responds to what is being termed as a significant shift in the Waqf administration framework.
