Fri Apr 04 05:03:13 UTC 2025: ## Parliament Passes Controversial Waqf Amendment Bill Amidst Heated Debate

**New Delhi, April 4, 2025** – The Indian Parliament concluded its Budget session early Friday morning after a marathon debate and passage of the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill, which aims to increase transparency in the administration of Waqf properties, passed the Rajya Sabha by a vote of 128 to 95 after a record-breaking 14-hour sitting. The Lok Sabha approved the bill on Wednesday following a 12-hour debate.

While the government insists the bill is not discriminatory against Muslims, the Opposition vehemently opposed it, alleging it marginalizes the Muslim community and undermines their religious rights. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi accused the Rajya Sabha of passing the bill through force, a claim that was refuted by Rajya Sabha Chair Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The Congress party has announced plans to challenge the bill’s constitutionality in the Supreme Court.

The Rajya Sabha’s productivity for the session was reported as 119%, with a record 49 private member’s bills introduced. However, the session was punctuated by several disruptions and adjournments due to protests and sloganeering from various parties.

In other news, the Supreme Court upheld a Calcutta High Court ruling that cancelled a tainted teacher recruitment process in West Bengal, impacting around 24,000 appointments linked to a corruption scandal. The West Bengal government had appealed the High Court’s decision, arguing against the blanket cancellation of all appointments.

The session also saw the retirement announcements of two Rajya Sabha members from Assam, Birendra Prasad Baishya and Mission Ranjan Das, effective June 14, 2025.

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