New Delhi/IBNS, April 3 -- The contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was tabled by the Modi government in the Lok Sabha, was cleared by the lower house of Parliament after hours long debate on Thursday, media reports said.

The bill was passed after a 12-hour marathon debate with 288 votes in its favour.

It was opposed by 232 members present and voting in the Lok Sabha.

The hours-long debate over the bill went on throughout Wednesday and witnessed a stiff confrontation between the treasury and opposition benches.

While the government claims the bill will be beneficial for the minority, the Opposition calls it "anti-Muslim".

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said several important public properties inclu...