RS witnesses 2nd-longest sitting during Waqf Bill, Manipur resolution passage
New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha witnessed its second-longest sitting in history on Thursday when the House sat till 4:02 am the next day to clear the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and approve the statutory resolution on the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur.
According to Parliamentary records, the longest sitting of the Rajya Sabha was witnessed on September 17, 1981, when the House sat till 4.43 am the next day for the consideration and passage of the Essential Services Maintenance Bill, 1981.
On Thursday, the Upper House met at 11 am and sat till 4:02 am the next day, without a break.
The House saw a discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was cleared after a division of votes.
Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said in his concluding remarks that the House created history by sitting till late.
“On April 3, 2025, the Rajya Sabha etched its name in the annals of legislative history with an unprecedented sitting from 11 am until 4:02 am the following day -- the longest in its history,” the chairman announced in the House.
“During this marathon sitting, the House passed the transformative Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, bringing transparency and accountability to Waqf property management while modernising legacy systems and upholding the principles of equity and justice,” he said while thanking all the members for their participation and cooperation.
“This session will be remembered for its historic legislative accomplishments and the spirit of unity that prevailed. It stands as a defining moment in India’s Parliamentary journey -- a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through dialogue, perseverance and shared purpose. The Rajya Sabha has, once again, set the democratic standards worth emulation by others,” Dhankhar said.
