India Waqf Amendment Act — Muslim Property Rights Stripped
India's Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 overhauls the 1995 Waqf Act, eliminating 'Waqf by user' — a principle that had protected mosques, graveyards, and shrines used for centuries without formal documentation. The Act mandates non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards, empowers district collectors to adjudicate property disputes previously handled by Waqf Tribunals, and requires proof of practicing Islam for five years to create a waqf. Passed 288-232 in the Lok Sabha after a 12-hour debate, the law triggered deadly protests in Murshidabad (3 killed), a refusal by West Bengal to implement it, and over 65 Supreme Court petitions. The Court stayed key provisions in September 2025 while the constitutional challenge continues.
Timeline
September 15, 2025
Supreme Court Stays Key Provisions of the Act
The Supreme Court stays several provisions including the requirement to prove five years of practicing Islam to create a waqf, and provisions allowing collectors to unilaterally alter revenue records. However, it upholds the removal of 'Waqf by user' and permits non-Muslim board members.
SourceApril 16, 2025
Supreme Court Hears First Petitions Challenging the Act
A Division Bench hears ten petitions challenging the Act's constitutionality, filed by AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, and others. Over 65 petitions are eventually consolidated.
SourceApril 12, 2025
Deadly Protests in Murshidabad — 3 Killed
Violent protests erupt in WB's Muslim-majority Murshidabad district, killing three — a Hindu father and son killed by a mob, and a 17-year-old Muslim youth killed by police. Over 150 arrested, 400 Hindus displaced, internet suspended.
SourceApril 9, 2025
Mamata Banerjee Refuses to Implement Act in West Bengal
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee declares the Act will not be implemented in her state, vowing to protect Muslim communities (33% of WB population). Union Minister Rijiju accuses her of inciting violence.
SourceApril 5, 2025
President Grants Assent — Bill Becomes Law
President Droupadi Murmu grants assent just two days after passage. The Act is published in the official Gazette with provisions taking effect April 8.
SourceApril 4, 2025
Rajya Sabha Passes Bill After Midnight
The Rajya Sabha passes the bill at approximately 2:22 AM after a 14-hour debate, 128-95. Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge urges withdrawal, calling it a 'prestige issue' rather than reform.
SourceApril 3, 2025
Lok Sabha Passes Bill After 12-Hour Debate
The Lok Sabha passes the bill 288-232 after a 12-hour debate. The bill renames the Waqf Act to 'UWMEED Act,' eliminates 'Waqf by user,' mandates non-Muslim board members, and empowers district collectors over property disputes.
SourceMarch 26, 2025
AIMPLB Launches Nationwide Agitation from Patna
The AIMPLB launches nationwide protests from Patna. RJD leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav attend, signaling cross-party opposition. Large sit-ins organized at state assemblies.
SourceMarch 17, 2025
Massive Protest at Jantar Mantar Against Bill
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board organizes a massive protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, vowing a nationwide campaign under 'Save Waqf, Save Constitution.'
SourceFebruary 13, 2025
JPC Report Tabled in Parliament Amid Uproar
The JPC's final report is tabled in both houses, triggering massive uproar. TMC MPs protest the alleged expunction of key portions of their dissent notes.
SourceJanuary 27, 2025
JPC Accepts NDA Amendments, Rejects All Opposition Proposals
The JPC accepts 14 NDA amendments while rejecting all 44 opposition proposals in a 16-10 vote. Opposition members allege the committee's conclusions were predetermined.
SourceJanuary 18, 2025
Muslim Organizations Demand Immediate Withdrawal
Multiple Muslim organizations issue a joint statement blasting the bill and demanding withdrawal, arguing it threatens autonomy of Muslim religious endowments and violates constitutional protections for minority institutions.
SourceOctober 22, 2024
TMC MP Smashes Bottle at Heated JPC Meeting
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee is suspended after smashing a glass bottle during a heated exchange with a BJP MP, injuring his thumb. The incident highlights extreme tensions surrounding the bill.
SourceAugust 9, 2024
Bill Referred to 31-Member Joint Parliamentary Committee
Both Houses refer the bill to a JPC chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, amid fierce opposition criticism that the bill was rushed without consulting Muslim stakeholders.
SourceAugust 8, 2024
Waqf Amendment Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju introduces the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 proposing sweeping changes to the Waqf Act of 1995. Opposition parties immediately denounce it as unconstitutional and anti-minority.
SourceQuick Stats