Sun Apr 06 15:02:01 UTC 2025: **Rajya Sabha Sets New Record with 17-Hour Debate on Waqf Amendment Bill**

NEW DELHI – The Rajya Sabha concluded a historic 17-hour and 2-minute debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, setting a new record for the longest discussion in the Upper House’s history. The previous record, a 16-hour and 55-minute debate on the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in 1981, was surpassed.

The marathon session, which began at 11:00 a.m. on April 3rd and concluded at 4:02 a.m. on April 4th, saw intense debate and discussion on the Bill. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju lauded the participants, highlighting the “dramatic discussion without disruption” on social media. He shared pictures with fellow ministers and officials from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, crediting them for facilitating the record-breaking session.

Following the passage of the Bill, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar hailed it as a “historic legislation” and a testament to the power of dialogue and shared purpose. He congratulated members for their participation in the unprecedented sitting, stating that the Rajya Sabha had “etched its name in the annals of legislative history.” Dhankhar also noted the Rajya Sabha’s overall productivity of 119% during the Budget Session, totaling 159 hours of functioning.

The Lok Sabha had previously passed the Bill after a 12-hour debate. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, now awaits presidential assent to become law.

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