The new Waqf law has officially come into force from today. The central government has also issued a notification regarding its implementation. The Waqf Amendment Bill was first introduced in the Lok Sabha and then in the Rajya Sabha. After being passed in both the houses of Parliament, it got the President’s approval, making it a law.
Today (April 8) the government issued an official notification announcing that the law has now come into force across the country. However, the move has sparked controversy. Several Muslim organisations across India have started protests against the new Waqf law and have expressed strong opposition to its provisions.
NewWaqf Law: Became Law After Presidential Assent
The government has claimed that the new Waqf Amendment Bill will significantly help improve the condition of poor and marginalised Muslims, especially women of the community.
The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, with 288 members voting in favour and 232 against it. However, opposition parties strongly objected to the bill, calling it “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional”.
In response, the government defended the bill as a “landmark reform” aimed at benefiting the minority community. The Rajya Sabha later approved the Wakf Amendment Bill, 2025 – which includes several key provisions to enhance transparency in wakf boards – after an extensive debate, with 128 votes in favour and 95 against. After the President’s assent, the bill officially became law.
Congress, AIMIM Move SC Against New Waqf Law
There is a political controversy across the country over the Waqf Amendment Bill. However, Congress, many opposition parties and many Muslim organizations are strongly opposing it.
Congress MP Mohammad Javed and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi have challenged the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Supreme Court, arguing that it violates constitutional provisions.
In his petition, Javed alleged that the Bill imposes “arbitrary restrictions” on waqf properties and their management, thereby undermining the religious autonomy of the Muslim community.
The petition, filed through advocate Anas Tanvir, further claimed that the bill discriminates against Muslims as it imposes restrictions that are not imposed on other religious institutions.
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