JPC Clears Waqf Amendment Bill

January 28, 2025

The Waqf Amendment Bill, introduced in 2024, has ignited intense debates in the Indian Parliament. This legislation aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, addressing the management of Waqf properties. The Joint Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill has been at the centre of this controversy, with amendments proposed.

Background

The Waqf Amendment Bill was presented in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
It aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties and resolve existing challenges.
The bill was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee on August 8, 2024.
The committee’s role is to review the bill and suggest necessary amendments.

Proposed Amendments and Controversies

The committee has received 572 amendments.
The accepted amendments reflect the party’s majority in the committee.
Significant changes include the proposal to retain the concept of “Waqf by User,” which was initially set to be removed.
This concept recognises properties used for religious purposes as Waqf. However, properties in dispute or those owned by the government are excluded.

Opposition Reactions

The opposition has voiced strong objections to the bill. They argue that their amendments were largely ignored, and they were not allowed to fully express their views during discussions. Key amendments proposed by the opposition sought to revert the bill to the original provisions of the 1995 Act. They raised concerns about including non-Muslims in the Waqf Board and the implications for minority rights.

Key Amendments Accepted

Among the accepted amendments, one allows for two non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board. This change has raised eyebrows as it could lead to an increased number of non-Muslim members beyond the initially proposed two. Additionally, the bill mandates that Waqf properties must be registered and their details published online within six months of the law’s enactment.

Stakeholder Engagement and Committee Proceedings

The Joint Parliamentary Committee has held extensive meetings, engaging with various Waqf Boards and state representatives. It has received a considerable volume of feedback, including 92.28 lakh emails from stakeholders. Despite this, the opposition claims that their voices were sidelined during the process. The committee’s chairman has been accused of unilaterally managing discussions and rejecting amendments without proper deliberation.

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