Centre Tables Waqf Act Amendment Bill 2024 in Lok Sabha, Opposition Calls it Anti-Constitutional

New Delhi: The BJP-led government introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, aiming to amend the Waqf Act, 1995. The bill, slated to be tabled by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, seeks to "effectively address issues" related to the powers and functioning of the State Waqf Boards, the registration and survey of waqf properties, and the removal of encroachments.

However, Opposition opposed the intrdocution of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and referred it as anti-constitutional. Congress' KC Venugopal said, “It's draconian, fundamental attack on Constitution.”

“This bill is a fundamental attack on the Constitution. Through this bill, they are putting a provision that non-Muslims also be members of the Waqf governing council. It is a direct attack on freedom of religion. Next you will go for Christians, then Jains. People of India will not buy this kind of divisive politics now,” he added.

Meanwhile, DMK MP Kanimozhi said, “It is a direct violation of Article 30 which deals with minorities to administer their institutions. This bill targets a particular religious group.”

Earlier on Wednesday, opposition parties demanded that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill be reviewed by a parliamentary committee after its introduction. The government said it would decide after assessing the opinion of the Lok Sabha.

At a Business Advisory Committee meeting, the government indicated it would not push for immediate discussion or passage of the Bill after its introduction in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Rijiju said that the government would decide on Thursday whether to refer the Bill for parliamentary scrutiny, as per sources.

There is a strong possibility that the government may agree to refer the Bill, which is being opposed by some Muslim organisations, to a parliamentary panel. Sources said some parties, which have been supportive of the government's agenda, have also expressed their reservation over the proposed legislation.

Opposition Calls for Parliamentary Review of Bill

Congress MP Gourav Gogoi and Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhya were among those who asked for the Bill to be sent to a standing committee for review. The standing committees of the Lok Sabha have not yet been formed. If necessary, the House may form a special panel to review the Bill.

What is the Waqf Act Amendment Bill?

The Bill aims to amend the law governing waqf boards, proposing significant changes like ensuring the representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims in these bodies. It also seeks to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.

The Bill was distributed to Lok Sabha members on Tuesday night before its introduction.

It aims to remove Section 40, which gives the Board the power to decide if a property is waqf property. The Bill proposes a broad-based composition of the Central Waqf Council and the State Waqf Boards, with representation for Muslim women and non-Muslims. It also suggests creating a separate board for the Bohras and Aghakhanis, including representation for Shias, Sunnis, Bohras, Agakhanis, and other backward classes among Muslim communities.