Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju reintroduced the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, sparking intense protests from the Opposition. The bill, which proposes significant changes to the management and governance of waqf properties, has been a contentious issue since its initial introduction in August 2024.
Background on Waqf and the Amendment Bill
Waqf refers to properties dedicated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. These properties are often used to maintain mosques, graveyards, madrasas, and orphanages. India has the largest waqf holdings globally, with over 8.7 lakh properties spanning 9.4 lakh acres. The Waqf Act of 1995 governs the administration of these properties, but concerns over mismanagement, illegal encroachments, and lack of proper documentation have prompted calls for reform.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, aims to address these issues by introducing changes such as renaming the Act, updating the definition of waqf, improving the registration process, and incorporating technology for better management of waqf records. Key amendments include allowing non-Muslim members in waqf boards, replacing the Survey Commissioner with the Collector for property surveys, and removing the provision empowering waqf boards to determine property ownership.
Controversies and Opposition
The bill has faced strong opposition from various political parties and Muslim organizations, who argue that the amendments undermine the autonomy of waqf institutions and are unconstitutional. Opposition MPs have criticized the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for rejecting their proposed amendments and accused the government of bulldozing the legislation.
During the Lok Sabha debate, RSP leader N.K. Chandran raised objections to the JPC’s authority to introduce new provisions, claiming it exceeded its mandate. He argued that altering the bill’s nature without suspending Rule 81 was beyond the JPC’s purview. Home Minister Amit Shah rebutted these charges, emphasizing that the JPC’s recommendations were thoroughly reviewed and approved by the Union Cabinet before the bill’s reintroduction.
Government’s Defense
Amit Shah defended the bill’s democratic process, contrasting it with what he described as “rubber-stamp” committees during previous regimes. He highlighted the extensive deliberations and approvals involved, asserting that the amendments were necessary for efficient governance. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also clarified that JPCs have the authority to propose significant changes to legislation, including renaming or revamping bills, as long as the core principles remain intact.
The debate underscores the sharp divisions between the government and the Opposition over legislative procedures and the future of waqf property management in India. The bill’s passage is expected to have far-reaching implications for the administration of waqf properties and the rights of the Muslim community.
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