Ashwani, Sethi, Ankur highlight positive aspects of Waqf Amendment Act 2025
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Leaders of BJP namely Ashwani Upadahaya, Sunil Sethi, Ankur Sharma, Dr. Abhijit Jasrotia, Munish Khajuria and Ajay Vaid on Monday highlighted the transformative and progressive features of the Waqf Amendment Act 2025.
The press conference at Press Club Jammu on Monday focused on the amendment’s far-reaching impact on transparency, accountability, and inclusive development in Waqf administration. BJP leader from Delhi and Supreme Court Advocate Mr Ashwini Kumar Upadhaya. Advocate Ankur Sharma is the State Convenor of Waqf Amendment Act Awareness Campaign.
The press conference focused on the amendment’s far reaching impact on transparency, accountability, and inclusive development in Waqf administration.
Speakers emphasized the landmark nature of the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, highlighting that for the first time, decisive steps have been taken to curb corruption and maladministration in Waqf institutions.
The Act brings transparency and accountability through structured audits, mandatory disclosures, and institutional checks and balances-ensuring that Waqf properties serve their rightful beneficiaries, they said.
One of the most welcomed changes is the deletion of Section 40 of the original Act, which previously allowed arbitrary inclusion of private properties as Waqf just at the whims of Waqf Boards without proper legal scrutiny, they said adding that this move restores constitutional sanctity by upholding Article 300A of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to property to all citizens and prevents unlawful encroachment on private assets. “The amendment also takes a forward-looking step by recognizing Waqfs of Aghakhani and Bohra communities, showcasing the government’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for diversity within the Muslim community. This inclusive provision affirms that Waqf reforms are for the empowerment and mainstreaming of all sections of the Muslim society” they said.
The event also focused on women’s empowerment, as the new legislation includes mechanisms that promote women’s financial empowerment as well as their participation in Waqf governance, ensuring that women from the community are actively involved in decision-making processes.
Another key highlight of the amendment is the streamlining of the legal framework, including provisions for appeals against decisions of Waqf Tribunals, thereby strengthening access to justice and due process. Moreover, the amendment has with prospective effect has abolished the “Waqf by user” concept, putting an end to ambiguity and misuse of this provision to justify unauthorized occupations or encroachments.
In his address, speakers emphasized that the entire amendment is aimed at mainstreaming Muslims and integrating them into the nation’s developmental journey by safeguarding community assets and ensuring they are used for legitimate charitable and religious purposes.
The BJP leadership reiterated its commitment to good governance, protection of constitutional rights, and holistic empowerment of minority communities. The Waqf Amendment Act 2025, they affirmed, is a step in this direction-an instrument of reform and renewal that reflects the party’s inclusive and progressive vision.
