Waqf Board Bill referred to Joint Parliamentary Committee amid opposition
The Union Minority Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju, tabled a bill in the Parliament on Thursday proposing amendments to the law governing Waqf boards. The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition MPs who termed it "draconian" and an attempt to "divide the country" on religious lines. Notably, amid opposition protests, the bill to amend the 1995 Waqf Act for more centralized control of Islamic charitable endowments was on Thursday referred to a joint parliamentary panel for further scrutiny.
Proposed bill seeks to streamline Waqf properties registration
The proposed legislation aims to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act. It intends to simplify the registration process of Waqf properties through a centralized portal. The bill also proposes significant changes such as the establishment of a Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards, which will include representation from Muslim women and non-Muslims.
Opposition MPs accuse bill of being 'anti-Muslim'
Congress leader KC Venugopal slammed the bill as a "fundamental attack" on the Constitution, accusing it of creating religious divisions and promoting hate between communities. DMK MP Kanimozhi echoed these sentiments, arguing that the bill violated Article 30 of the Constitution, which pertains to minorities' rights to administer their institutions. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi opposed the bill, arguing that it violated judicial principles and restricted the management of the Waqf board.
'Waqf Board captured by mafia,' says Rijiju
Responding to the criticism, Rijiju stated that the bill does not advocate any interference in religious freedom, but aims to grant rights to those who have been denied them. He highlighted that the bill was based on the Sachar committee's report, which was set up by the Congress. Rijiju further claimed that the Waqf board was "captured by mafia," and that the government had received numerous land grabbing complaints.
AIMPLB strongly opposes Centre's move
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has firmly opposed the Centre's decision to introduce this Bill in Parliament, vowing to reject any amendments. AIMPLB Spokesperson SQR Ilyas called on Muslims and religious organizations to unite against this "malicious act of the government." He added that any changes to the Waqf Act, 2013, that alter the nature of Waqf properties or facilitate their seizure by the government or individuals would be unacceptable.
