JPC Meeting on Waqf (Amendment) Bill: Voices and Views

The second Joint Committee of Parliament meeting, led by MP Jagadambika Pal, on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, saw heated discussions with various Muslim bodies voicing their concerns. The bill, which aims to rename and redefine the Waqf Act, 1995, will be reviewed further in upcoming sessions.

The second meeting of the Joint Committee of Parliament, headed by MP Jagadambika Pal on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was held on Friday at the Parliament House Annexe. The committee heard viewpoints from several Muslim organizations, including the All India Sunni Jamiyatul Ulama, Indian Muslims for Civil Rights, Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board, and the Rajasthan Board of Muslim Waqf.

According to sources, the Muslim bodies expressed concerns about multiple clauses in the bill, particularly focusing on 'Waqf by Users,' which they argued affects religious faith and practices. They insisted that the government should not interfere in such matters. Functions of the Survey Commissioner being handed to the Collector also sparked significant debate. Opposition members strongly backed Muslim organizations, while BJP and Shiv Sena members opposed, and LJP, JDU, and TDP maintained a balanced stance. The bill, introduced in the recent budget session, was sent to JPC for further analysis.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to rename the Waqf Act, 1995 to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995. It redefines 'Waqf' to include those practiced by Muslims for at least five years with property ownership, aiming to prevent inheritance denial to women through Waqf-alal-aulad. It also proposes omitting 'Waqf by user,' reassessing Survey Commissioner functions, diversifying the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, and forming separate Auqaf Boards for Boharas and Aghakhanis.

The bill proposes administrative changes, including filing Waqf accounts through a central portal, restructuring Tribunals with two members, and permitting appeals against Tribunal orders within 90 days. The Joint Committee has invited public, NGO, and expert suggestions to be sent within 15 days.

The next committee meeting is scheduled for September 5 and 6, where various ministries and organizations will present their oral evidence.

(With inputs from agencies.)