Waqf Amendment Bill to be introduced in Lok Sabha on April 2; BAC allocates eight hours for debate
PTC Web Desk: The Waqf Amendment Bill is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 2 at 12 noon after the Question Hour, as announced by Speaker Om Birla. The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) has allocated eight hours for a debate on the Bill before it is put to vote.
However, the opposition demanded an extension of the discussion period to 12 hours, leading to a walkout from the BAC meeting. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the time allotted for discussion could be extended if necessary. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused the government of imposing its agenda and disregarding the opposition’s concerns.
Notably, the Bill has sparked sharp reactions across the political spectrum. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and MP Akhilesh Yadav declared his party’s opposition to the Bill, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stressed the need for reforms in the Waqf system.
Amidst the heated discussions, protests erupted in the Lok Sabha, with opposition members raising slogans immediately after the Question Hour. The Speaker had to adjourn proceedings until 2 pm.
Sources say the government has accepted three key suggestions from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), though no official confirmation has been issued. These suggestions include: The law should not be applied retrospectively, historical mosques, dargahs, and other religious sites should remain unaffected and states must have a clear say on land matters, as land ownership falls under their jurisdiction.
Both the ruling BJP and the opposition have issued whips to their MPs to ensure full attendance during the crucial debates. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stressed that the Bill would be thoroughly discussed and that every political party has the right to express its stance.
“If the opposition refuses to participate in the debate, we cannot force them. However, the country deserves to know where each party stands on this issue,” Rijiju remarked.
Key statements on Waqf Amendment Bill
Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: “Every good initiative faces opposition, and the same is happening with the Waqf Amendment Bill. I question those protesting against it—has the Waqf Board truly worked for the welfare of Muslims? It has become a tool for encroachment on government property.”
Milind Deora, Shiv Sena (Rajya Sabha MP): “For the last 75 years, false narratives have misled the Muslim community. The common Muslim seeks empowerment, not appeasement. This Bill will benefit the Muslim community the most.”
Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM chief: “This is not an amendment Bill; it is a ‘Waqf Destruction Bill.’ The government’s real agenda is to spread hatred against Muslims and promote Hindutva ideology. I urge Chandrababu Naidu to carefully consider his stance on this Bill.”
Akhilesh Yadav, SP president: “The BJP makes every decision with electoral gains in mind. The Samajwadi Party opposes this Bill because the BJP wants absolute control. Their policies have deepened social divisions in India. They accused us of appeasement politics, yet they distribute Eid kits for votes.”
Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir: “This Bill unfairly targets one religious community. Attacking Waqf institutions is unfortunate, and our MPs will strongly oppose it.”
Why is Modi government amending the Waqf Act?
It is leant the government aims to introduce nearly 40 changes to the Waqf Act for five primary reasons:
Inclusion of Non-Muslims in Waqf Boards
The Bill proposes appointing two non-Muslim members to Waqf Boards, including the possibility of a non-Muslim CEO. This is seen as a move towards inclusivity but has drawn strong criticism from Muslim leaders.
Greater Representation of Women and Minority Muslim Communities
The government plans to enhance participation by Muslim women by amending Sections 9 and 14 of the Act. The revised Bill will also establish separate Waqf Boards for Bohra and Agha Khani Muslim communities. The Bohra community is largely engaged in business. The Agha Khani Ismaili Muslims neither observe fasting during Ramadan nor perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
Strengthening Government Oversight
The amendments will grant the government greater control over Waqf properties by allowing non-Muslim experts and government officials to conduct audits. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) will now oversee Waqf property audits, ensuring greater transparency in financial transactions.
Mandatory Registration of Waqf Properties with District Magistrates
The government has cited recommendations from the Justice Sachar Committee and the Parliamentary Committee chaired by K Rahman Khan. Under the new provisions, all Waqf properties must be registered with the District Magistrate’s office to verify ownership. The revenue department at district headquarters will maintain digital records of these properties to enhance transparency.
Legal Recourse for Disputes
The Bill proposes adding a second member to Waqf Tribunals and allows appeals to high courts within 90 days of a ruling.
Currently, if Waqf Boards claim ownership of a property, the burden of proof falls on the opposing party. The proposed amendments aim to rectify this issue by allowing legal challenges under a fairer framework.
- With inputs from agencies
