The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, a contentious piece of legislation introduced by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in the Lok Sabha, has been referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) amidst vehement protests from Opposition parties. The Bill, aimed at reforming the management of Waqf properties, has sparked a fierce debate, with critics decrying it as an attack on the Muslim community and a violation of constitutional principles.
Opposition’s Outcry: Bill Deemed ‘Draconian’ and ‘Unconstitutional’
The introduction of the Bill triggered a heated two-hour debate in the Lok Sabha, during which Opposition leaders launched a scathing attack on the proposed amendments. Senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal labeled the Bill “draconian” and alleged that it was politically motivated, aimed at garnering votes in the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana. Other Opposition members echoed these sentiments, claiming that the Bill infringes upon religious freedom and undermines the spirit of federalism.
Government’s Defense: Reforms for Justice and Transparency
Defending the Bill, Mr. Rijiju asserted that it merely seeks to implement reforms recommended by committees established by the previous Congress government. He emphasized that the Bill does not curtail any rights or religious freedoms but rather aims to address the issue of Waqf Boards being “captured” by a select few, thereby ensuring justice for ordinary Muslims. The Minister further revealed that several Opposition leaders had privately expressed concerns about the alleged “mafia-like” functioning of State Waqf Boards.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes significant changes to the 1995 law governing Waqf Boards. These include:
- Inclusion of Non-Muslim Members: The Bill mandates the inclusion of two Muslim women and two non-Muslim members on a Waqf Board.
- Prevention of Wrongful Declarations: A new section is introduced to prevent the arbitrary declaration of property as “Waqf.”
- District Collector as Arbiter: The Bill designates the District Collector as the authority to determine whether a property is Waqf or government land, a role previously held by the Waqf tribunal.
Support and Reservations from BJP Allies
While BJP allies like the Janata Dal (United), the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and the Shiv Sena (Shinde) expressed support for the Bill, citing the need for transparency and reform, some reportedly harbored reservations. TDP MP G.M. Harish Balayogi indicated his party’s willingness to refer the Bill to a select committee to address any misconceptions.
Sparring Between Government and Opposition
The introduction of the Bill also witnessed a heated exchange between Home Minister Amit Shah and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav. Mr. Yadav accused the government of attempting to curtail the powers of the Speaker, vowing that the Opposition would fight to protect the Chair’s authority. Mr. Shah retorted, asserting that the Speaker’s rights belong to the entire House and accusing Mr. Yadav of making baseless allegations.
Conclusion
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has ignited a fierce debate in the Lok Sabha, with the Opposition vehemently opposing the proposed changes. The Bill’s referral to a joint parliamentary committee offers an opportunity for further deliberation and potential amendments. The outcome of this legislative process will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the management of Waqf properties and the relationship between the government and the Muslim community.
Summary
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has been referred to a joint parliamentary committee amidst strong opposition. The Bill proposes significant changes to the management of Waqf properties, including the inclusion of non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards and the designation of the District Collector as the arbiter for determining Waqf property status. While the government defends the Bill as a necessary reform, the Opposition views it as an attack on the Muslim community and a violation of constitutional principles.
Key Learning Points
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Bill’s Purpose | The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to reform the management of Waqf properties. |
| Opposition’s Concerns | The Opposition views the Bill as an attack on the Muslim community and a violation of constitutional principles. |
| Key Provisions | The Bill proposes the inclusion of non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards, prevents wrongful declarations of property as Waqf, and designates the District Collector as the arbiter for determining Waqf property status. |
| Referral to JPC | The Bill has been referred to a joint parliamentary committee for further deliberation and potential amendments. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
