‘Marks a watershed moment': PM Modi lauds Waqf Bill as it sails through Parliament

Prime Minister Modi on Friday lauded the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which amends the existing Waqf laws. Modi said the passage marks a watershed moment in India's collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth.

Parliament passed the contentious Bill after the Rajya Sabha approved it early on Friday morning. The Lok Sabha had approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate on Thursday.

This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity, Modi said.

“The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity,” Modi said in a post on X.

According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution. While Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over ₹1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors, the Bill said.

In the Rajya Sabha, the Bill received 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected. In the Lok Sabha, the bill was supported by 288 MPs, while 232 voted against it.

‘The importance of extensive debate and dialogue’

The PM expressed gratitude to all Members of Parliament (MPs) who participated in the Parliamentary and Committee discussions, voiced their perspectives and contributed to the strengthening of these legislations.

“A special thanks also to the countless people who sent their valuable inputs to the Parliamentary committee. Yet again, the importance of extensive debate and dialogue has been reaffirmed,” he said in the post.

For decades, the Waqf system was synonymous with lack of transparency and accountability, the PM said. This especially harmed the interests of Muslim women, poor Muslims, Pasmanda Muslims, he said.

“The legislations passed by Parliament will boost transparency and also safeguard people’s rights,” he said.

Opposition leaders in the Parliament have condemned the Bill saying that it violates Constitutional principles and questioned the government’s intent in bringing in the legislation.

Modi, however, said, the country, after the passage of the Bill, will now enter an era where the framework will be more modern and sensitive to social justice. “On a larger note, we remain committed to prioritising the dignity of every citizen. This is also how we build a stronger, more inclusive and more compassionate India,” he said.