Waqf Amendment Bill Passed in Lok Sabha with 288 Votes in Favor Amid Heated Debate

Waqf Amendment Bill Passed in Lok Sabha with 288 Votes in Favor Amid Heated Debate

Live Updates on Waqf Amendment Bill: Lok Sabha Approves the Bill After Lengthy Deliberations

The Lok Sabha has approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, following an intense discussion that lasted for eight hours. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while defending the Bill, addressed concerns regarding misinformation, clarifying that Waqf refers to religious charitable endowments and does not involve government property. He emphasized that there is no provision to appoint non-Muslim members to Waqf boards, dismissing opposition claims as politically motivated.

The session commenced on a charged note as Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Bill. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi criticized it, alleging that it undermines the constitutional framework and marginalizes minority communities. In response, the government asserted that the legislation does not interfere in religious matters but seeks transparency in Waqf administration.

The Bill has sparked controversy across the country, with critics highlighting provisions such as the potential appointment of non-Muslim members to Waqf boards, the empowerment of district collectors to determine property status, the removal of "Waqf by user," and the requirement to register Waqf properties in a central database. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha session was adjourned following the passage of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, amid an opposition walkout.