A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has recently approved the Waqf Amendment Bill, incorporating 14 amendments to the original draft presented in August 2023. This decision, made on January 27, 2025, has sparked significant controversy and opposition from various political factions.
Overview of the Bill
The Waqf Amendment Bill aims to reform the governance of Waqf boards, which manage endowments for religious and charitable purposes in the Muslim community. The JPC, led by Jagadambika Pal of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was tasked with reviewing the bill and had initially received 44 proposed amendments from opposition members. However, all these proposals were ultimately rejected.
Key Amendments
The following table summarizes the key amendments included in the Waqf Amendment Bill:
| Amendment | Description |
| Nomination of Non-Muslim Members | Allows for the nomination of non-Muslim members to Waqf boards. |
| Inclusion of Women | Mandates at least two women representatives on Waqf boards. |
| Central Waqf Council Composition | Requires that the central Waqf Council include a union minister, three MPs, two former judges, and four individuals of 'national repute'. |
| Loss of Land Claim Rights | Removes the Waqf Council's ability to claim land. |
| Donation Restrictions | Prohibits donations from Muslims who have been practicing their faith for less than five years. |
Political Tensions and Opposition
The bill has not been without its hurdles as it awaits approval. The JPC was supposed to submit its report by November 29, 2023, but the deadline has been extended to coincide with the Budget Session of Parliament, which ends on February 13, 2025. The process has been marred by accusations of bias against the chair from opposition MPs. Tensions have risen recently after ten opposition MPs were suspended for protesting against what they considered unfair proceedings.
Heated Exchanges
Committee meetings have been marked by heated exchanges, with one dramatic moment when Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee was said to have smashed a glass bottle in response to provocations from BJP members. Such incidents only point to the rising tensions over the bill.
Religious Freedom Concerns
The opposition leaders have serious objections to the hasty manner in which the Waqf Amendment Bill is being passed, especially since the Delhi election is scheduled for February 5. They say the ruling party is trying to ram it down without discussing it and giving them an opportunity for dissent.
Constitutional Issues
Those who raise their objections, such as Asaduddin Owaisi and Kanimozhi, say that these changes are done against the constitution. They particularly mention:
- Article 15: Ensures the right to religion.
- Article 30: Right to manage own educational institutions by minority communities
- They see the bill as a frontal attack on religious rights, an attempt that is not beneficial for Muslim community autonomy
The JPC saw the Waqf Amendment Bill pass the stages despite great political infighting in the country. The news is indeed very controversial, as it outlines things concerning religious rights and governance in India. Debates will continue to arise and even the implications for Muslim communities will dominate the discussions in Parliament while this Budget Session moves closer to its end. The bill's future is also widely watched for it can lay significant precedents for minority rights and religious governance in India.
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