NEW DELHI: A delegation from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) met with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Waqf on September 19 to present the Muslim community’s perspective on the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The Board received the invitation from the JPC on September 11.
The delegation included:
• Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, President of the AIMPLB
• Ml. Mohd. Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, General Secretary
• M.R. Shamshad, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court and Executive Committee Member
• Dr. S. Q. R. Ilyas, Spokesperson and Executive Committee Member
• Prof. (Dr.) Saud Alam Qasmi, Executive Committee Member
Prior to the meeting, the Board had already submitted detailed written submissions to the JPC, as well as informal submissions made to the Chairperson on August 24, 2024.
During the meeting, the President of the Board and Prof. Qasmi delivered brief oral submissions highlighting potential issues that could arise if the amendments were approved. They also elaborated on the status of Waqf in Islamic Sharia. M.R. Shamshad provided detailed legal insights into the implications of the proposed amendments, assisted by Advocate Arijit Sarkar. The General Secretary and spokesperson summarized the broader community’s concerns regarding the proposed legislation.
The written submissions were distributed to JPC members, with several expressing appreciation for the clarity and thoroughness of the documents, stating they “cleared many doubts and answered questions.”
Due to the confidential nature of the proceedings before the Joint Parliamentary Committee, specific details cannot be publicly disclosed. However, Dr. Ilyas affirmed that the Board has communicated the collective opposition of the community to the proposed amendments. He emphasized that the AIMPLB, along with prominent community organizations, has firmly rejected the bill and called for its withdrawal.
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