The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has approved the legislation, incorporating all amendments proposed by the ruling BJP-led NDA members while rejecting every modification suggested by the opposition.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8 by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to address challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties. After six months of deliberations, the committee completed its clause-by-clause review during its final meeting on Monday.
JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal stated, “The amendments passed today will result in a better Bill. Amendments moved by BJP and its allies across 14 clauses have been accepted, while the 44 amendments proposed by opposition members were defeated through a vote.”
Key Changes in the Bill
One significant change proposed in the amended Bill is the removal of the provision that allows questioning the status of existing Waqf properties on the grounds of ‘Waqf by user.’ If such properties are used for religious purposes, they will now remain protected under the revised law.
Another controversial amendment involves renaming the legislation as the "Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995" (UMEED), a move that has drawn criticism from opposition leaders.
Opposition Criticism and Discontent
Opposition members have strongly criticized the committee’s proceedings, accusing the chairman of undermining democratic norms. Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee labeled the process as “dictatorial,” claiming opposition voices were stifled. Congress MP Nasir Hussain and AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi joined the criticism, citing concerns over provisions like separate Waqf boards for sects such as Aga Khanis and Shias.
Tensions escalated on Friday when ten opposition MPs were suspended for disrupting the proceedings, accusing Pal of bias.
Chairman and BJP Defend Process
Rejecting the allegations, Pal asserted that the process was democratic and inclusive. “All members were given the opportunity to present their amendments. The majority view prevailed, as is the norm in democratic deliberations,” he stated. BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi echoed his sentiments, emphasizing that sufficient time was provided for discussions and all perspectives were considered.
A Long-Awaited Reform
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been in development for years, with consultations involving community members, legal experts, and other stakeholders. Notably, the revised Act proposes that the Waqf Board will no longer serve as the sole authority to determine the status of Waqf properties.
The ruling NDA hails the Bill as a step toward better governance and management of Waqf assets. However, opposition parties continue to raise concerns, signaling that debates around the Bill’s provisions are far from over.
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