JPC adopts amended Waqf bill, opposition terms it ‘unconstitutional’.

Parliamentary Panel clears report on Waqf (Amendment) Bill; Opposition slams its provisions as ‘unconstitutional’, and alleges  ‘hit on Muslim faith’.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Jan 29, 2025:: The Joint Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 has adopted its report by a majority vote, paving the way for the government to introduce the Bill in the upcoming Budget session of Parliament. However, all 11 Opposition members have expressed their dissent, citing concerns that the Bill will create new disputes and put Waqf properties at risk .

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Waqf amendment, led by MP Jagdambika Pal, has concluded its meetings after six months of deliberations. The committee held 38 meetings in Delhi and toured the country to consult stakeholders.

The JPC adopted the Waqf Amendment Bill with 15 votes in favor and 11 against.  The bill includes 14 amendments proposed by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members, while rejecting 44 changes submitted by Opposition MPs. The JPC on the Waqf Bill comprised 31 members including 16 from the NDA, 13 from Opposition parties, 1 from the YSRCP, and 1 nominated member.

Some key amendments include empowering state governments to appoint officers to determine Waqf properties and changes to the composition of Waqf Boards. The JPC’s recommendations will now be presented to Parliament, with the committee’s 655 pages report expected to be submitted by February 13.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to make significant changes to the existing Waqf Act, 1995. Some of the key provisions include:

-Renaming the Waqf Act: The bill seeks to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995.

– Changes to the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards: The Bill proposes to include non-Muslim members in these bodies, which has raised concerns among some Muslim groups.

– Representation for Muslim women : The bill proposes to include representation for Muslim women  in Waqf boards.

– Survey of Waqf Properties: The Bill replaces the Survey Commissioner with the Collector, granting them powers to conduct surveys of Waqf properties.

– Ownership of Government Properties: The Bill states that government properties identified as Waqf will cease to be Waqf, and the Collector will determine ownership of such properties.

– Appeals to the High Court: The Bill provides for direct appeal to the High Court, revoking the finality of the Tribunal’s decisions.

The Opposition members have raised concerns that these changes will lead to disputes and undermine the rights of Muslim communities. However, the government argues that the Bill aims to improve the management and administration of Waqf properties.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has sparked intense debate and opposition, with many accusing the government of interfering in Muslim religious affairs. The bill, which aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, has been criticized by opposition members as “unconstitutional” and “draconian”.

Opposition members, including Congress MP KC Venugopal, have argued that the bill undermines the rights of Muslims and infringes upon their religious freedoms. Venugopal termed the bill an “attack on the Constitution” and accused the government of trying to divide the nation.

Other opposition members, such as AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, have also strongly criticized the bill, stating that it violates the principles of Articles 14, 15, and 25 of the Constitution and hits on the Muslim faith. Owaisi accused the government of being an “enemy of Muslims”.

Despite the opposition, the government has defended the bill, stating that it aims to bring transparency and accountability to the management of Waqf properties. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused the opposition of trying to mislead Muslims and undermine the image of India.

..

_Inputs from PTI.