Table of Contents

Introduction to the Legislative Development

On April 5, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu granted her assent to the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, officially bringing it into force. This legislative move marks a significant change in the regulation of Waqf properties in India. The Act aims to reform the management, accountability, and usage of Waqf properties, which have long been under the scanner for lack of transparency and disputes over ownership and usage.

Objective of the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025

The primary goal of this amendment is to promote transparency, prevent illegal encroachments, and strengthen the governance mechanism of Waqf Boards. The legislation introduces stricter compliance mechanisms for maintaining and auditing Waqf property records. It also gives more powers to state Waqf Boards for eviction of encroachers and digitization of records, aligning with the Digital India initiative.

Key Provisions of the Amendment

Under the amended act, Waqf Boards are now legally empowered to initiate immediate action against encroachments and misuse of Waqf properties. The act also mandates that all Waqf land records must be digitized and made public to prevent illegal claims. Moreover, any sale or lease of Waqf property without prior approval will now be deemed null and void. These measures are designed to restore trust and ensure the properties are used for their intended religious or charitable purposes.

Impact on Governance and Community Welfare

The amendment is a bold step toward ensuring that Waqf properties are properly used for social welfare, education, and religious activities as originally intended. It also reinforces the government’s stance on property reform and religious trust regulation. By giving more autonomy and legal strength to Waqf Boards, the act is expected to reduce litigation, ensure lawful use, and increase accountability.

Why This News is Important

Relevance for Government Exam Preparation

This news holds direct relevance for aspirants preparing for civil services, police, judiciary, and administrative roles, as questions related to recent amendments in important Acts and governance reforms are frequently asked in prelims and mains papers.

Strengthens Property and Religious Trust Governance

Understanding how property and trust-related laws evolve in India is crucial for roles related to administration, revenue, law, and public welfare schemes. The Waqf Amendment Act serves as a textbook example of legislative oversight and regulatory evolution in managing religious and community properties.

Reflects Socio-Legal Reform Initiatives

The Act reflects the government’s broader agenda to bring transparency and legal accountability in the functioning of religious and charitable institutions. It is part of a series of reforms aimed at reducing corruption, increasing transparency, and ensuring public benefit from community assets.

Historical Context: Evolution of the Waqf Act in India

The original Waqf Act was passed in 1954, and later replaced by the Waqf Act, 1995 to regulate Waqf properties across India. Over the decades, Waqf Boards were criticized for inefficiency, corruption, and encroachment issues. In 2013, minor amendments were made, but issues persisted, particularly regarding illegal occupation and misuse of land.

Multiple committees and reports, including the Sachar Committee, had recommended modernization and digitization of Waqf records, improved governance, and protection of assets. The 2025 amendment is a comprehensive step addressing these longstanding issues with clear mandates and enforcement powers.

Key Takeaways from Waqf Amendment Act, 2025

Serial Number	Key Takeaway
1	President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Waqf Amendment Act on April 5, 2025.
2	The Act aims to digitize Waqf land records and improve transparency.
3	Unauthorized sales or leases of Waqf property are now legally invalid.
4	Waqf Boards are empowered to take swift action against encroachments.
5	The Amendment aligns with the Digital India initiative and property reforms.

waqf amendment act 2025

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025?

It is an amendment to the Waqf Act that introduces stricter rules on the management, usage, and protection of Waqf properties, focusing on digitization, anti-encroachment, and transparency.

2. When did President Droupadi Murmu give her assent to the Act?

President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on April 5, 2025.

3. What is the major focus of the new amendment?

The key focus areas include digitization of Waqf land records, nullification of unauthorized transfers, and empowering Waqf Boards to act against encroachments.

4. How does this Act support Digital India?

The Act mandates the public digitization of Waqf land records, which supports Digital India by enhancing transparency and reducing manipulation.

5. Why is the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 important for exams?

It is important due to its implications in legal reform, governance, minority welfare, and religious property management, all of which are relevant topics in UPSC, SSC, PCS, and other exams.