Rajya Sabha Sets Record with 17-Hour Debate on Waqf Bill
Historic sitting surpasses 1981 ESMA record; leaders hail democratic spirit and dialogue;
The Rajya Sabha scripted history last week with its longest-ever debate, discussing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for over 17 hours without a break. The marathon session lasted from 11:00 a.m. on April 3 to 4:02 a.m. the next day, surpassing the previous record set in 1981 during the discussion on the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), which lasted 16 hours and 55 minutes.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju took to X on Sunday, sharing pictures with MoS Arjun Ram Meghwal, L Murugan, and ministry officials, celebrating the milestone. “Discussion on Waqf Amendment Bill for 17 hours, 2 minutes in Rajya Sabha broke the earlier record time… created in 1981!” he wrote.
The Bill was passed after an intense and fiery debate marked by high participation and no disruptions. A day earlier, the Lok Sabha had also passed the Bill following a 12-hour-long discussion.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar hailed the session as “historic legislation” and praised members for their dedication. “This sets a democratic standard worth emulation and sends a powerful message to the nation,” he said.
The Upper House clocked 159 hours of business during the Budget Session, with productivity reaching 119 percent.