The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has been a subject of extensive deliberation. On Wednesday, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) concluded its session. The committee, by majority vote, has approved the draft report and the revised bill. According to sources, on Thursday, JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal will meet with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla alongside all committee members to present the draft report and revised bill.
Prior to this, a meeting regarding the Waqf Board was held by the JPC. The draft report and revised bill were accepted during this session. Among the JPC members involved in the Waqf Board issue, 16 votes were cast in favor while 11 were opposed.
Dissent Can Be Expressed by Four PM
The JPC states that any dissenting members may submit their notes by 4 PM on Wednesday. Thus far, TMC MPs Kalyan Banerjee and Nadeem Ul Haque have submitted dissent notes. Additionally, A. Raja, Sanjay Singh, and Arvind Sawant have also submitted dissent notes.
Several opposition members expressed their dissent, labeling the procedure undemocratic. They allege insufficient time was allowed for studying the final report and preparing their dissent notes.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant noted, all opposition members will express their dissent.
Prior to this, Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Minority Affairs, introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. Subsequently, on August 8, 2024, it was referred to the JPC.
The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, addressing issues and challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties.
On Monday, 44 amendments were discussed in the JPC meeting regarding the Waqf amendment act. Of these, 14 amendments proposed by NDA MPs led by BJP were accepted, while those proposed by the opposition were dismissed outright. The opposition had proposed 44 amendments.
What Did Owaisi Say?
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi remarked, "We have submitted a dissent note. This Waqf bill is against Muslims and not in favor of the Waqf. BJP has introduced this bill to showcase their ideology against Muslims. Unnecessary debates on such issues will arise, targeting a specific faith."
SP MP Mohibullah Nadvi commented, "There was no discussion in the JPC. They intend to interfere in religion. We seek clarity. There should be no discrimination against Muslim law. We will continue to voice opposition against discrimination."
