Controversy Surrounds Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Leads Opposition

KKN Gurugram Desk | The recent enactment of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, has ignited a significant political and constitutional debate in India. While the central government asserts that the amendments aim to enhance transparency and inclusivity in the management of waqf properties, opposition leaders, notably West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have vehemently criticized the legislation, labeling it as anti-secular and an infringement on Muslim rights

Understanding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, amends the Waqf Act of 1995, introducing several significant changes:​

• Inclusion of Non-Muslims in Waqf Boards: The Act mandates the inclusion of non-Muslim members in waqf boards, a move the government claims will promote diversity and transparency.​

• Enhanced Government Oversight: The central government gains increased authority to create rules for waqf registration, auditing, and accounts, aiming to ensure better accountability.

• Gender and Sectarian Inclusivity: The Act requires representation of at least two Muslim women on the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards and ensures representation from various Muslim sects.​

• Appeal Process: Decisions made by waqf tribunals can now be challenged in the High Court within 90 days.​

These amendments have been met with mixed reactions across the political spectrum.​

Mamata Banerjee’s Strong Opposition

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has emerged as a leading voice against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. She has articulated several concerns:​

• Violation of Federal Principles: Banerjee asserts that the central government did not consult state governments before introducing the bill, undermining the federal structure of the nation.​

• Threat to Muslim Rights: She contends that the Act is a deliberate attempt to target a particular religion, stating, “This bill is against one religion. The bill is anti-federal and anti-secular. It is a deliberate attempt to malign a particular section.” ​

• Potential for Misuse: Banerjee warns that the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards could lead to the mismanagement or appropriation of waqf properties, which are traditionally managed by Muslims.​

Her administration has pledged not to implement the Act in West Bengal, setting the stage for a potential legal and constitutional confrontation with the central government.​

Broader Political and Social Reactions

The Waqf (Amendment) Act has elicited varied responses from different quarters:​

• Opposition Parties: Leaders from the Congress party and other opposition groups have criticized the Act, arguing that it infringes upon the religious rights of Muslims and could be used to seize historically significant religious properties lacking formal documentation.

• Muslim Organizations: Groups like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board have expressed concerns that the Act violates Islamic principles, which require Muslims to manage waqf properties. ​

• Civil Society: Activists warn that the law could marginalize Muslims further and set a precedent that might threaten other communities in the future. ​

Constitutional Implications and the Path Forward

The standoff between the central and West Bengal governments over the Waqf (Amendment) Act raises critical constitutional questions:​

• Center-State Relations: The dispute underscores the ongoing tension between the central government’s legislative authority and the autonomy of state governments, particularly concerning matters listed in the Concurrent List of the Constitution.​

• Judicial Review: Legal experts anticipate that the matter may eventually be adjudicated by the Supreme Court to resolve the constitutional validity of the Act and its implementation across states.​

• Impact on Minority Rights: The controversy highlights the delicate balance between ensuring transparency in religious endowments and protecting the rights of minority communities to manage their religious affairs autonomously.​

The enactment of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, has sparked a significant debate on the intersection of governance, religious rights, and federalism in India. As the central and West Bengal governments prepare for a potential legal battle, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the management of religious endowments and the rights of minority communities in the country.