Fresh protests erupt in Bihar against amended Waqf Act
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025—also known as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act (UMEED Act)—updates rules around Muslim religious endowments in India.
It's making headlines because it changes how waqf properties are managed and who gets to decide on ownership, leading to protests in Bihar over property rights and community control.
'Waqf by user' rule gone—What this means
The act ends the old "waqf by user" rule for future cases, so only formal declarations can create waqf properties now.
District Collectors (not Waqf boards) get more say in settling property disputes and running surveys.
The goal is tighter oversight, but it also means more government involvement in waqf affairs.
What's more in the act?
All waqf properties must now be registered digitally and go through regular audits for better transparency.
The act brings non-Muslims onto the Central Waqf Council and adds gender diversity to boards.
Plus, people can now challenge tribunal decisions in High Courts.
Act's implementation has triggered protests in Bihar
Bihar has seen big protests because many feel these changes complicate proving property ownership and threaten religious autonomy.
Political parties like RJD are backing these rallies ahead of elections, while legal challenges against the act are already reaching the Supreme Court.