The controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, designed to amend the 1995 law governing Waqf properties, has successfully passed through the Lok Sabha after a heated 12-hour debate. The bill, which will be presented in the Rajya Sabha later today, was passed at around 2 AM with a vote of 288 in favor and 232 against, following a tense exchange between the government and opposition members.
The proposed legislation includes several contentious provisions, such as the mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, and the restriction that only individuals who have practiced Islam for at least five years can donate properties to Waqf. Additionally, the bill proposes that government property identified as Waqf would no longer belong to the state, with local Collectors determining its ownership.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, have criticized the bill as unconstitutional, accusing the government of attempting to undermine minority rights and "disenfranchise" the community. Congress leaders have expressed concerns that the bill reflects an ongoing attack on the Constitution, with some protesting in symbolic acts, such as AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi's gesture of "tearing up the law" in a reference to Mahatma Gandhi's defiance of British rule.
On the other hand, the government argues that the bill is focused on property management rather than religious issues. Union Minister Amit Shah defended the bill, pointing out past irregularities and land grabs by Waqf boards, including controversial transfers of government and religious properties. He cited examples such as land in Delhi’s Lutyens Zone and a 400-year-old temple property in Tamil Nadu, which had been declared as Waqf property.
Shah further emphasized the importance of reform, noting that the bill addresses long-standing issues where properties were mismanaged or diverted for political gain, often to the detriment of women and children. The BJP contends that the amendments are essential for ensuring fairness and transparency in the management of Waqf properties.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also highlighted the urgency of the reform, mentioning a long-standing legal case in Delhi involving properties such as the old Parliament building. Both Shah and Rijiju pointed out that previous legislation, particularly the 2013 Waqf Act, had created complications, and argued that this amendment was necessary to rectify those issues.
Despite the opposition’s criticism, the government maintains that the bill will protect Waqf properties from misuse and improve their management. It also insists that the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf boards would not interfere with religious practices but rather ensure fair governance of properties.
As the bill moves to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion, the debate surrounding it is expected to continue, with both sides standing firm in their positions.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)