NEW DELHI: In response to intense opposition from political parties, the government has decided to refer the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Critics argue that the bill, introduced by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on August 8, 2024, targets the Muslim community, interferes with religious practices, and undermines federalism.
Congress MP K C Venugopal labeled the bill as an “attack on faith and religious freedom,” warning that it could pave the way for further encroachments on the rights of other religious minorities. After a two-hour debate, Speaker Om Birla announced the bill’s referral to the JPC, with plans to consult party leaders before forming the committee.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill seeks significant changes to the 1995 Waqf Act, including the introduction of new sections to prevent the “wrongful declaration” of properties as waqf. It also proposes that two Muslim women and two non-Muslims serve on Waqf Boards and designates the District Collector as the authority to adjudicate land disputes involving waqf properties powers currently held by Waqf Tribunals.
Dr. K Rahman Khan, former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman and ex-Minister for Minority Affairs, criticized the bill, calling it a “mischief” aimed at undermining waqf properties. He argued that the bill is unnecessary and would reverse key reforms established by the 1995 Act and the 2013 amendments. Dr. Khan also expressed concern over the bill’s proposal to require all waqf properties to be re-registered, which could lead to many properties being unrecognized due to a lack of documentation.
Dr. Khan further questioned the government’s intent, noting the lack of consultation with key stakeholders, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. He dismissed government claims that the bill would increase transparency, arguing that it fails to address issues like encroachments on waqf properties and instead undermines the independence of Waqf Boards.
Prominent waqf activist Akramul Jabbar, head of the Jamiat Ulama-Hind’s Waqf Protection Committee, echoed these concerns, describing the bill as the culmination of years of anti-waqf propaganda. He warned that the bill’s provisions, particularly the application of limitation laws, could legalize adverse possessions of waqf properties, potentially removing up to 70% of such properties from waqf control.
Jabbar also criticized the bill’s proposal to involve non-Muslims in the administration of waqf boards and the inclusion of government officials in decisions related to waqf properties. He argued that these measures represent a clear attempt to expropriate waqf properties currently under government occupation, violating legal precedents that protect such properties.
As the debate over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill continues, opposition parties and waqf activists remain vigilant, warning of the bill’s potential to undermine religious freedoms and property rights in India.
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