AIMPLB Slams Waqf Bill As “Anti-Democratic, Anti-Constitutional”

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, describing it as “anti-democratic” and “anti-constitutional.”

During its two-day conference in Bengaluru, which began on Sunday, the AIMPLB addressed several pressing issues, including the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

“It is a normal conference, and every three years, we elect our new team. This time we also elected a new president, general secretary, secretary, treasury, and spokesperson. In the conference, we also discuss the various issues confronting our community. We discussed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and why we oppose it and what we will do further. We also discussed the Uniform Civil Code which has already been enacted in Uttarakhand. We have decided to challenge the act in the high court,” said Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, AIMPLB spokesperson, speaking to ANI.

Must Read: Kerala: Protests Erupt In Kochi Over Waqf Act

Expressing concern over the rising incidents of hate speech, Ilyas highlighted the controversial statements made against Prophet Mohammad, calling them unacceptable to Muslims worldwide. “Every day a new dispute starts in the (name) Mosque, and then the court orders a survey. If the Worship Places Act is there, it has to be implemented… Hate speeches are also going on in the country, and various leaders are making disturbing statements against Prophet Muhammad, which is not acceptable to any Muslim throughout the world,” he stated.

Addressing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which is expected to be discussed during the Winter session of Parliament starting November 25, Ilyas said, “We will take all legal, constitutional provisions available against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024… Today they are attacking Waqf, UCC, tomorrow they can attack Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the Hindu Endowment Act… Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is anti-democratic, anti-constitutional, illogical.”

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 proposes major reforms, including digitisation, stricter audits, greater transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. To ensure comprehensive reform, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is conducting meetings to gather feedback from government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from across states and Union Territories.

Also Read: Winter Session Of Parliament To Start Today; Focus On Waqf, Banking Laws