Posts Tagged: waqf act

What is Waqf Property? Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 Explained

Ambani's Antilia, the Kumbh Mela ground, and even the Taj Mahal — all of these have been claimed by the Waqf Board at some point. Hard to believe, right? Not only this the Waqf Board is the largest landowner in India after the Armed Forces and the Indian Railways. India also has the largest Waqf holdings in the world. In fact, Waqf boards control 8.7 lakh properties covering 9.4 lakh acres, valued at an estimated 71.2 lakh crore. While countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Iraq no longer follow this system, India has laws that protect and regulate it. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, reintroduced by Minister Kiren Rijiju, has been passed by both Houses (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) and now awaits the President's assent. It aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, which governs the management of Waqf properties in India. It proposes significant changes empowering the Union government to regulate Waqf properties. However, the bill has sparked political and legal controversy because of land claims, legal powers, and lack of transparency.