Heated Debates in Joint Parliamentary Committee over Waqf Amendment Bill 2024

The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is set to meet on September 18-20 in New Delhi. Various stakeholders will present their views. Past meetings have seen heated discussions, especially between opposition and ruling party members.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is scheduled to hold meetings from September 18 to 20 at the Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi, according to an official statement from the Lok Sabha Secretariat. On September 18, representatives from the Ministry of Minority Affairs will present oral evidence regarding the bill.

On the subsequent day, September 19, the committee will gather input from experts and stakeholders, including Prof Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor of Chanakya National Law University, the Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz, and the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board. The final day, September 20, will feature suggestions from the All India Sajjadanashin Council, the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, and Bharat First.

A prior JPC meeting on September 6 featured a presentation from senior Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials. Various stakeholders, such as the Zakat Foundation of India and the Telangana Waqf Board, shared their views on the bill. Shiv Sena leader Naresh Mhaske criticized the misuse of Waqf Board properties, citing the need for amendment. The opposition has vehemently opposed the bill, leading to intense debates.

(With inputs from agencies.)