Rajya Sabha's 17.02-Hour Debate on Waqf Bill Sets New Record, Surpassing 1981 Benchmark

The Rajya Sabha recently witnessed a landmark moment in India’s parliamentary history, hosting its longest debate to date during the discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Spanning over 17 continuous hours, the session not only featured intense exchanges but also broke the record for the longest discussion in the Upper House, surpassing the previous high set in 1981.

The marathon debate, held on April 3—the penultimate day of the Budget Session—extended from 11:00 a.m. Thursday until 4:02 a.m. Friday, making it a monumental session in the House’s legislative journey.

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, took to social media on Sunday to celebrate the historic occasion. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he shared a photo with fellow ministers and ministry officials, stating: “With MoS Arjun Ram Meghwal, Murugan, Secretary, Adl. Secretary & JS in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Discussion on Waqf Amendment Bill for 17 hours, 2 minutes in Rajya Sabha broke the earlier record time discussion on ESMA (16 hours 55 Minutes) created in 1981!”

Following the Bill's passage in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Rijiju lauded the extended debate as a hallmark of spirited, yet disruption-free parliamentary discourse. The Lok Sabha had cleared the Bill a day earlier after a 12-hour-long debate.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar praised the legislation as a “historic” achievement, underlining the significance of civil debate and collective effort. “The Rajya Sabha etched its name in the annals of legislative history," Dhankhar stated, appreciating members for their unwavering participation.

“The sitting began at 11 a.m. on April 3 and continued till 4.02 a.m. the next that is, this day. The longest in its history,” he declared, commending the 17-hour session as a strong symbol of democratic values in action.

“This would send a very great message to people at large and enhance belief in this great institution. The Rajya Sabha has, once again, set the democratic standards worth emulation by others,” the Chairman added.

Overall, the Rajya Sabha clocked in 159 hours of functioning during the Budget Session, registering a productivity rate of 119 percent—another significant accomplishment for the Upper House.