The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has expressed serious concerns regarding the Joint Parliamentary Committee’s (JPC) handling of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, citing alleged constitutional and procedural violations. AIMPLB spokesperson SQR Ilyas highlighted issues such as alterations to previously agreed-upon dates and the inclusion of organizations without direct involvement in Waqf matters.
On Wednesday, Ilyas emphasised that the JPC should solicit suggestions and opinions exclusively from stakeholders directly engaged with Waqf affairs. However, the committee is reportedly consulting central ministries, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), RSS-affiliated organizations, and other groups lacking standing in society.
Ilyas also noted that opposition members within the JPC had previously written to the Lok Sabha Speaker, expressing concerns about the conduct of the committee’s chairman, Jagdambika Pal. “Yesterday, six opposition members again wrote to the Speaker, expressing their disappointment over the chairman’s behavior, which they claimed is obstructing fair discussion,” stated Mohd Vaquar Uddin Latifi, Office Secretary.
The statement added that when the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 was first introduced in Parliament, it faced significant opposition, leading to its referral to the JPC. “We demand that the objections of AIMPLB and reputable Muslim organizations be seriously considered. Unrelated parties who have no connection to Waqf matters should be excluded. The JPC must not hastily submit its report but instead follow prescribed guidelines and procedures, ensuring a comprehensive discussion among all members before presenting the report,” the statement added.
The Waqf Act of 1995, established to regulate Waqf properties, has faced longstanding allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and encroachment. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to introduce significant reforms, including digitization, stricter audits, transparency, and legal measures to reclaim illegally occupied properties.
The JPC is conducting a series of meetings to gather input from government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from various states and Union Territories to ensure comprehensive reforms.
In a related development, AIMPLB President Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rehmani has strongly opposed the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, declaring it a “matter of life and death” for the Muslim community. He stated, “If needed, we will not hesitate to give our own lives.”
Additionally, AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has condemned the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 as “oppressive and unconstitutional,” calling for public opposition. He mentioned that the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has provided a QR code that allows the public to submit objections via email.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has also presented a thorough analysis of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, advocating for a renaming to reflect modern governance. The BCI’s analysis emphasizes transparency, inclusion, and efficiency, proposing centralization, digital documentation, and diverse representation, aligning with evolving legal frameworks and judicial precedents.
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As the debate over the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 continues, it is crucial for all stakeholders to engage in open and constructive dialogue to address concerns and work towards a consensus that respects the rights and interests of all communities involved.
