The Indian Parliament has passed a controversial bill on Friday that enhances the government’s supervision over properties managed by Muslim trusts, despite protests from the religious minority who feel targeted by this interference. This legislation enables the appointment of non-Muslim individuals to administer the Waqf boards and empowers state officials to settle any disputes. With over a century-old legal standing, the Waqfs are one of the largest property owners in India, managing more than 800,000 properties which cover approximately one million acres, valued at over $14 billion according to government data. The ruling party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi argues that these changes are necessary for efficiency, accountability, and to prevent abuse.

Ahead of the vote in Parliament, Kiren Rijiju, India’s Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, insisted that the legislation was not meant to attack Muslim rights but to shield Waqf assets from misuse, emphasizing transparency rather than interference. The deliberation on this bill lasted months, with two days of passionate debate past midnight before the vote, reflecting Modi’s now dependency on allied parties’ support in the parliament, following a loss in his party’s majority last summer. Critics agree on the need to improve the trusts’ management but fear this bill is another attempt by the ruling Hindu nationalist party to target Muslims. Despite constitutional protections for religious groups’ autonomy, some express concerns that this bill provides a legal basis for authorities to target the Muslim community.

Imran Pratapgarhi, a Muslim member of Parliament from the opposition Indian National Congress, doubts the government’s assertion that the bill benefits the Muslim community, urging the government not to seize places of worship or demolish Muslim homes. Tensions have risen as right-wing groups have also claimed some mosques, arguing they were historically sites of Hindu worship, and have desecrated Muslim shrines.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/04/world/asia/india-bill-muslim-land-waqfs.html