The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, officially came into effect on Tuesday following a Gazette notification issued by the Central Government.
The Act received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday, two days after its passage in Parliament.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 (14 of 2025), the Central Government hereby appoints the 8th day of April, 2025 as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force,” read the official notification published in the Gazette of India.
The legislation, which amends key provisions of the original Waqf Act, has introduced a series of significant reforms. These include separation of trusts from Waqf entities; introduction of digital and technological tools for property management; creation of a centralised online portal for better transparency; restriction of Waqf property dedication to practicing Muslims only; protection of 'Waqf by User' properties, historically used by the community; recognition of women's rights in family Waqf, etc.
The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday, April 4, following a marathon 17-hour debate. The Lok Sabha had cleared the Bill earlier in the week.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the passage of the legislation as a "watershed moment" in India's efforts to reform and modernise the management of Waqf properties.
According to the government, the amended Act aims to bring transparency and accountability in the administration of Waqf properties and ensure equitable representation of all Muslim communities in the functioning of Waqf Boards.
However, the law has sparked strong opposition from several political parties. Opposition leaders have accused the government of using the legislation to further a polarising agenda.
In response to the Act’s implementation, multiple Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging its constitutional validity.
Anticipating legal pushback, the Centre has filed a caveat in the apex court, requesting that no orders be passed without hearing its side.
Seven cops injured during anti-Waqf Act rally in Tripura
At least seven policemen sustained injuries on Saturday during a clash between the security personnel and the agitators who held a protest rally against the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act in northern Tripura’s Kailashahar under Unakoti district.
Rose Valley Ponzi scam: Centre hands over Rs 515 crore to help 7.5 lakh victims
The government on Saturday handed over Rs 515.31 crore to Justice D.K. Seth (Retd), Chairman of the Asset Disposal Committee which was formed for the purpose of restitution of properties to legitimate investors in the Rose Valley Ponzi scam.
Chhattisgarh: Heavy loss to Maoists in Bijapur-Dantewada, encounter going on
Heavy loss to Maoists have been reported in the Bhairamgarh area, located on the Bijapur-Dantewada border in Chhattisgarh, during an encounter between security forces and Maoists on Saturday.
Om Birla brings 'Mayra' to martyr’s home fulfilling promise to sister on her daughter's wedding
Six years after the martyrdom of CRPF Jawan Hemraj Meena in the Pulwama attack, a wave of joy swept through his home on Saturday as the courtyard of Veerangana (war widow) Madhubala was filled with the sounds of celebration and music as the family prepared for her daughter’s wedding.
'Should Hindus leave Bengal?' asks Giriraj Singh, slams Mamata Banerjee govt over Murshidabad violence
Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday strongly condemned the recent violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, calling it a "heart-wrenching" incident that reflects the deteriorating law and order situation under the Mamata Banerjee-led government.
U'khand tragedy: Car with Haridwar family plunges into Alaknanda River; one rescued, five feared dead
In a heartbreaking incident near Devprayag, Uttarakhand, a car carrying a family from Haridwar plunged into a 300-metre-deep gorge and sank into the Alaknanda River near the Badshah Hotel area on Saturday.
US orders foreign nationals to register under Alien Act or face arrest, deportation
In a sweeping move that has ignited concern among immigrant communities across the United States, the White House has announced that all foreign nationals residing in the country for over 30 days must register with the federal government or face strict penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation.
JCO killed as Army foils infiltration bid on LoC in J&K
A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army was killed when alert soldiers foiled an infiltration bid on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K’s) Akhnoor sector, officials said on Saturday.