Human Rights Groups Criticize Indian Government Over Waqf Amendment Act

Human rights groups have criticized the Indian government over the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024. The act seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, and amend the Waqf Act, 1995. Critics argue that the amendment does not address the concerns of the Muslim community and instead aims to consolidate power in the hands of the government. The amendment also introduces provisions for the representation of Muslim women on the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, but critics argue that this is a tokenistic gesture and does not address the deeper issues of inequality and lack of transparency in the waqf system. The amendment has been opposed by various human rights groups, including those that have called for greater accountability and transparency in the waqf system. According to Al Jazeera, the amendment has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. The amendment also empowers the Central Government to create rules for Waqf registration, auditing, and accounts, which has raised concerns among human rights groups. The amendment has been seen as a move to consolidate power in the hands of the government and to undermine the autonomy of the waqf system. The amendment has been opposed by various human rights groups, including those that have called for greater accountability and transparency in the waqf system. According to accord.org.za, the amendment has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. The amendment also introduces provisions for the representation of Muslim women on the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, but critics argue that this is a tokenistic gesture and does not address the deeper issues of inequality and lack of transparency in the waqf system.

The Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, has significant cultural and social implications for the Muslim community in India. The amendment has been seen as a move to consolidate power in the hands of the government and to undermine the autonomy of the waqf system. The amendment has been opposed by various human rights groups, including those that have called for greater accountability and transparency in the waqf system. According to Africa Center for Strategic Studies, the amendment has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. The amendment also introduces provisions for the representation of Muslim women on the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, but critics argue that this is a tokenistic gesture and does not address the deeper issues of inequality and lack of transparency in the waqf system. The amendment has been seen as a move to consolidate power in the hands of the government and to undermine the autonomy of the waqf system.