India’s Lok Sabha has approved a controversial bill that seeks to alter the governance of waqf properties—assets worth billions of dollars that have been donated by Indian Muslims over centuries for religious and charitable purposes.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which introduces extensive modifications to existing laws, was passed late Wednesday night following an intense 12-hour debate.
Government’s Justification vs. Opposition Concerns
The government has defended the bill as a necessary step to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of waqf properties. However, opposition parties and Muslim organizations argue that it undermines the constitutional rights of India’s largest religious minority. They allege that the bill facilitates state intervention in religious endowments, paving the way for the potential takeover of waqf assets.
In the Lok Sabha, the bill secured a majority with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. It now moves to the Rajya Sabha for further deliberation. If approved by the upper house, it will require President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to become law.
Divisions Over the Bill’s Provisions
Initially introduced in August 2023, the bill faced significant backlash, leading to its referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). While the final version includes several modifications, opposition members claim that the committee dismissed their key recommendations while adopting those proposed by the ruling party and its allies.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has vowed to challenge the bill in the Rajya Sabha, calling it an attack on minority rights. Meanwhile, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused the government of attempting to “dilute constitutional protections, stigmatize minorities, and sow divisions in Indian society.”
Muslim organizations have also condemned the bill, claiming it could weaken waqf laws and facilitate the acquisition of religious endowments by the state.
Home Minister’s Defense and Key Controversies
Union Home Minister Amit Shah countered the opposition’s claims, asserting that the bill does not interfere with religious practices or waqf donations. He accused critics of misleading the minority community and creating unwarranted fears about government overreach.
A particularly contentious provision mandates the inclusion of two non-Muslim members on waqf boards. Critics argue that this move is unfair, as most religious institutions in India do not allow members of other faiths in their administration.
Waqf Properties: A Massive Asset Base
Waqf properties include mosques, madrassas, shelters, and vast tracts of land donated for religious and charitable purposes. According to government estimates, India has at least 872,351 waqf properties spread across more than 940,000 acres, with an estimated value exceeding ₹1.2 trillion ($14.22 billion).
While proponents argue that the bill will curb mismanagement and encroachments, opponents fear it grants excessive government control over religious endowments and weakens the autonomy of waqf institutions.
As the Rajya Sabha prepares to debate the bill, the controversy surrounding its implications for minority rights and religious autonomy is expected to intensify.
