NEW DELHI: The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and leading Muslim organizations have condemned the Waqf Amendment Bill as a “nefarious scheme to seize and undermine Waqf properties under the guise of protection and transparency.” They have called for the immediate withdrawal of the bill and warned of a nationwide protest if their demands are not met.
At a press conference held at the Constitution Club of India on August 22, AIMPLB President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani denounced the bill as unconstitutional and arbitrary, claiming it infringes upon Articles 25, 26, 29, and 14 of the Indian Constitution. He alleged that the bill targets a specific community and has been introduced with malicious intent.
The bill proposes changes to the definition of Waqf, the role of custodians, and the powers of Waqf boards. It also mandates non-Muslim representation on the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards for the first time. Maulana Rahmani criticized these provisions as discriminatory and contrary to the principles governing Waqf management.
Opposition leaders including Nitish Kumar of JD(U) and Chandrababu Naidu of TDP have reportedly pledged to oppose the bill, with assurances from other figures such as RJD’s Tejaswi Yadav, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray.
Maulana Rahmani expressed frustration over the lack of consultation with community representatives, stating that the government has ignored their concerns and blocked dialogue since its current administration began. He criticized those Muslims who support the bill, calling them opportunistic and out of touch with the community’s needs.
Syed Sadatullah Husaini, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, also condemned the bill, arguing that its true aim is to introduce mismanagement into Waqf affairs and facilitate encroachment on Waqf properties. He and Maulana Rahmani noted that the bill undermines the Waqf Act of 1995 and could lead to increased litigation and communal claims over Waqf properties.
The bill’s provisions include giving district collectors the authority to resolve Waqf property disputes, which Muslim leaders argue could result in government takeover of these properties. They also criticized the bill’s contradictory provisions, including restrictions on non-Muslims dedicating property as Waqf while mandating their inclusion in Waqf management bodies.
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (Arshad faction) President Maulana Syed Arshad Madani, Jamiat Ahle Hadis President Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mahadi Salafi, and Board Spokesperson Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas also voiced their objections.
The bill, introduced during the budget session of Parliament without consulting key stakeholders, has been referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) following strong opposition. On August 23, an AIMPLB delegation met with JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal, who assured that the concerns of the Waqf boards and Muslim organizations would be considered before making any final decisions.
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