RS approves Waqf bill after marathon debate

The contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which brings in sweeping changes in the regulation and management of Islamic charitable endowments, was passed in the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday, after a marathon 13-hour debate and a face-off between the government and the Opposition.

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran

128 lawmakers voted in favour of the bill and 95 against it when the final tally was announced at 2.35am on Friday, bringing the curtain down on two days of marathon parliamentary proceedings that saw 27 hours of debate, 105 speakers, and the Lok Sabha passing the legislation at around 2am on Thursday, by a vote of 288 to 232.

The bill will now be sent to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the passage "a watershed moment" in the "collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth". He said the legislation will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins.

"For decades, the waqf system was synonymous with lack of transparency and accountability. This especially harmed the interests of Muslim women, poor Muslims, and Pasmanda [backward] Muslims. The legislation passed by Parliament will boost transparency and also safeguard people's rights," he said on X.

The government has maintained that some sects of Muslims and socio-economically backward sections were underrepresented in the waqf boards. It denied allegations that it was trying to undermine in the rights of the Muslims.

"We will now enter an era where the framework will be more modern and sensitive to social justice. On a larger note, we remain committed to prioritising the dignity of every citizen. This is also how we build a stronger, more inclusive and more compassionate India," Modi said.