Waqf Amendment Bill Moves Ahead with Key Changes Amid Opposition Disputes
New Delhi:
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Monday approved the Waqf Amendment Bill, which proposes significant reforms to the management of Muslim charitable properties in India. The committee accepted 14 amendments to the original draft of the bill, which was introduced in August last year. The bill originally proposed 44 changes, with contributions from both ruling BJP and opposition MPs, but many opposition-proposed amendments were rejected following votes along party lines.
The committee, chaired by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, comprises 16 MPs from the BJP and its allies, and 10 from the opposition. The approval of the amendments will be finalized through a vote on January 29, and the final report is expected by January 31. The original deadline for the report submission, November 29, was extended to February 13, the last day of the Budget Session.
In a statement, Mr. Pal said, “Out of the 44 proposed amendments, 14 were approved by majority vote. While opposition MPs also suggested changes, these were rejected with 16 votes against and 10 in favor.”
The deliberations of the committee spanned six months and included nearly three dozen hearings. However, these were often marked by tensions, as opposition members accused the chair of bias towards the ruling party. Last week, opposition MPs wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging that the bill was being rushed through without adequate consideration.
The controversy intensified after the suspension of 10 opposition MPs, including TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, who criticized the bill as an attack on minority rights. Banerjee, in a dramatic incident during a hearing, smashed a glass bottle on the table, accusing a BJP MP of verbal provocation.
The Waqf Amendment Bill seeks to introduce sweeping changes, including the nomination of non-Muslim members and at least two women to Waqf boards. It also proposes expanding the Central Waqf Council to include a union minister, three MPs, two former judges, four prominent figures, and senior government officials, none of whom are required to belong to the Islamic faith.
Other contentious changes include a ban on Waqf boards claiming land and restrictions on donations to those practicing Islam for less than five years, which sparked debate over the definition of “practicing Muslims.”
Supporters of the bill argue that it aims to empower marginalized groups within the Muslim community, particularly women and children. Critics, however, view it as a violation of constitutional rights, including Article 15 (freedom of religion) and Article 30 (rights of minorities to manage their institutions).
Opposition leaders, such as Congress’ KC Venugopal and DMK’s Kanimozhi, have voiced concerns over the bill, labeling it as a “direct attack on religious freedom.” Owaisi echoed these sentiments, warning of potential constitutional violations and infringement on minority rights.
The amendments and the broader debate surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill highlight a contentious chapter in the ongoing conversation about religious rights and governance in India.