Injustice in landholding is one of the fundamental determinants of social justice. And land redistribution based on democratic ethics is a powerful weapon against any form of social injustice. Hindrances in access to land and natural resources, invariably, have defined not only economic but also social and political deprivation of the masses. However, these deprivations have also generated powerful reactions which have resulted in new regulations for restructuring the extant, archaic and regressive political construct. In India, the existing inequalities in the distribution of wealth, power and social status, specifically in the context of the Muslim community, has impeded the efficient use of resources, depressed the rates of economic progress and prevented the achievement of minimum social and political stability. History shows that countries with greater justice in asset holding have grown faster.
In this context the transformative vision driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and executed with strategic precision by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Government of India has introduced many bills to deepen democracy. Recently, Modi government has successfully passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This landmark reform marks a defining moment for the empowerment of India’s Muslim community. For decades, Waqf properties—meant for the welfare and upliftment of the community—remained enmeshed in opaque practices, mismanagement, and elite control. The amendment aims to dismantle these entrenched structures and usher in a new era of transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. Under Modi’s vision and Shah’s assertive execution, the Bill sets a clear course for empowering ordinary Muslims, ensuring women’s representation, and redirecting Waqf resources toward genuine public welfare.
Government’s Ideological Commitment to Unified Governance
The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Parliament is not merely a legal development—it is emblematic of the Government of India’s deeper ideological commitment to building a more transparent, inclusive, and unified Bharat. At the heart of this push is Union Home Minister Amit Shah, whose recent legislative efforts continue to shape the government’s vision of “One Nation, One Law.” This reform is part of a broader series of governance efforts—such as the abrogation of Article 370 and personal law reforms—meant to harmonize India’s legal landscape and reinforce constitutional equality. It demonstrates the government’s resolve to unify legal standards across all communities, ensuring justice is not fragmented but delivered uniformly, without preference or prejudice, through consistent and inclusive frameworks.
Curbing Legal Loopholes and Enhancing Transparency
The amendment seeks to address long-standing concerns around the management of Waqf properties by eliminating discretionary and elitist powers and emphasizing accountability through proper documentation. One of the most impactful changes is the removal of the “deemed waqf” provision, which previously allowed properties to be designated as waqf simply due to religious use. This clause had long been criticized for creating legal ambiguities and encouraging land disputes. Under the new law, clear proof of ownership is mandatory, aligning Waqf governance with mainstream land laws and reducing the scope for arbitrary claims. The focus on ownership evidence ensures that no community or institution can override national laws, promoting clarity in land rights and reducing opportunities for exploitation and unlawful encroachment.
From Faith-Based Exemptions to Rule-Based Accountability
This emphasis on documentation and legal scrutiny over faith-based exemptions reflects a growing belief within the Government of India: that religious institutions managing public assets must adhere to modern standards of transparency. As Amit Shah stated in Parliament, “No land can be claimed based on faith alone; laws must apply equally to all citizens.” This represents a clear pivot toward standardized governance and a rebalancing of trust with legal integrity. It marks a transition from traditional informal practices to a transparent system, where publicly utilized assets are governed through documentation, audits, and processes benefiting the wider population.
Empowering Muslim Women through Legal Reform
One of the most progressive aspects of the Waqf Bill is its powerful commitment to gender justice and women empowerment. The Bill mandates the inclusion of Muslim women in Waqf boards and related decision-making bodies, giving them a platform to voice their perspectives and influence policy. In cases of family waqfs, the amendment ensures that women receive their rightful share of inheritance—a right often denied under patriarchal norms. Much like the landmark Triple Talaq legislation, this reform demonstrates the government’s consistent push to uphold women’s rights within community-specific legal frameworks. Amended Bill ensures women’s participation, promotes fairness and equity, giving them a rightful role in managing assets meant for community welfare and strengthening institutional balance.
A Call for Pluralistic Participation:
Another notable feature of the amended Bill is the provision allowing non-Muslim members to be included in Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council.
While this move has sparked debate, the government maintains that public bodies dealing with public resources, especially those linked to state land or taxpayer money, should reflect pluralistic participation.
It’s a step toward institutional transparency and a reimagining of public faith management through inclusive governance. Such representation enhances oversight, encourages cooperation across communities, and ensures that institutions serve national interests, not limited circles or sectarian interests.
Transforming Waqf Assets for Public Good
The Waqf amendment Bill also ensures the strategic utilization of waqf assets—worth thousands of crores—for community upliftment. These properties will now be channelled toward education, health, housing, skill development, and employment opportunities for underprivileged Muslims. A significant share of Waqf income will also support scholarships, women-led initiatives, and youth training programs. This ensures that the real beneficiaries—the poor and marginalized—finally receive the support they deserve. It converts dormant land and wealth into tools for development, empowering underprivileged communities with better infrastructure, learning access, and dignified livelihoods.
Ending the Monopoly of Elites:
For far too long, Waqf institutions were captured by politically connected elites, operating behind closed doors. The new Bill breaks this monopoly by mandating digitized records, regular audits, and greater decentralization of decision-making. Power is being returned to local stakeholders and ordinary citizens, fulfilling the original charitable vision of Waqf foundations.
By challenging elite control, the reform encourages grassroot ownership, transparency in operations, and genuine community-driven development that aligns with the spirit of public good.
Amit Shah’s Strategic Leadership:
At the helm of this transformation is Shri Amit Shah, whose political foresight and legislative determination have brought about this historic reform. Amid opposition from various quarters and misrepresentations in public discourse, Shah defended the Bill as a necessity for justice and clarity. His ability to confront complex issues with resolve further establishes him as a modern-day Chanakya—blending civilizational wisdom with contemporary statecraft.
His leadership reflects strategic conviction in promoting legal equality, resolving sensitive matters with decisiveness, and securing public trust in reform processes affecting millions. Therefore, it may not be an exaggeration to equate Mr. Shah’s abilities and commitment with the political acumen, determination and patriotism of Sardar Patel, the first Home Minister of Independent Bharat.
Toward a Transparent and Inclusive Future:
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is not an isolated piece of legislation. It forms part of a broader governance philosophy promoted by the Government of India—one that seeks to modernize India’s institutions, bridge legal divides, and ensure equality for all under the Constitution. While some may interpret these moves as challenging minority autonomy, the government frames them as foundational steps toward national integration, fairness, and legal coherence. It envisions a future where all citizens participate equally in public systems, and institutions are built on trust, efficiency, and fairness beyond communal lines.
A Bold Step Toward Legal and Social Equity:
In a country as diverse as India, the challenge has always been to balance tradition with progress. The success of the Waqf reform will ultimately depend on its implementation—whether it brings real empowerment, fosters fairness, and upholds the democratic ideals of inclusion and equity. This Bill is not just a legal document—it is a symbol of the Modi Government’s resolve to ensure justice and dignity for every citizen. Under the strategic guidance of Amit Shah, India has taken yet another bold step toward rewriting outdated narratives and building a modern, cohesive society. This legislative step, if implemented sincerely, holds the promise of transforming institutions into engines of equitable development, benefiting generations to come through fairness and opportunity.
The author is Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda.
Views are personal.
