Kiren Rijiju Defends Amended Waqf Act, Cites Munambam Case as Key Reform Trigger:

Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju has vigorously supported the Waqf Act Amendment Bill 2025, stating that there is a clear need for legal reforms to stop the land ownership claims abuse and deliver justice to the citizens concerned. While addressing patrons in Kerala, he quoted the Munambam episode as one of the primary reasons for driving the legislative change.

Munambam Land Dispute: A Turning Point

The Kerala Waqf Board had claimed 404 acres in Munambam as Waqf property, which allegedly resulted in disenfranchising more than 600 fishermen of their lands.

Rijiju termed the episode as a disaster and assured them that the central government shall make sure such things are not allowed in the future.

He further commented that the amendments were meant to protect the basic fundamental right of every citizen, the right to property.

Section 2A: New Protection for Land Owners

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 adds Section 2A which states that Trusts formed “by a Muslim for a purpose similar to a Waqf” shall not be subject under the Waqf Act.

This is likely to enable the upliftment of some like those in Munambam and restore their income and property rights.

Major Legislative Changes Explained

Repeal of Section 40: Waqf Boards could previously alone proclaim any land as Waqf property.

"No authority should have unchecked power", he stated.

Survey protocols updated: Starting this year, all land surveys will be conducted by District Collectors using the government’s verifying land records.

Appeals against the decisions of Waqf Tribunals can now be made in the High Court, thereby increasing the appeal’s legal scope.

Every existing state board and tribunal will be reviewed and reformed in accordance with the new law under the Reconstitution of Waqf Boards and Tribunals.

Political context and accountability

Rijiju lambasted the last Congress government for the 2013 amendments which, in his words, indiscriminately permitted the Waqf to make extensive claims over lands.

In his words, broad gaps and evasive measures in Waqf institutions have now been sealed due to the new law’s stringent provisions and enacted safeguards.

Legal interpretation and to do's

“He who dedicates a property makes it Waqf, but upon transfer its validity can be contested”, was Rijiju’s take on Waqf law’s wider legal structure.

Quoting a recent issue about Mohammad Siddiqui Sait, Rijiju mentioned the circumstanced applicability of a High Court xenophobic ruling to the Supreme Court.

Responding to them, the minister confirmed his intention to make a trip to Munambam to meet personally the concerned families.