The Waqf Amendment Bill has successfully passed through the Lok Sabha with a vote tally of 288 in favor and 232 against, following an intense 12-hour debate that stretched well into the early hours of Thursday. The bill, which seeks to amend the 1995 law governing Waqf properties, faced fierce opposition but ultimately cleared the lower house due to the ruling party’s numerical strength.
Key Highlights of the Waqf Amendment Bill
The propose legislation will be present in the Rajya Sabha later today for further consideration. The bill aims to address and update regulations surrounding Waqf properties, but it has sparked significant controversy, especially concerning some of its new provisions.
Contentious Provisions and Their Implications
One of the most debated aspects of the bill is the mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards. Additionally, the bill specifies that only individuals who have practiced Islam for at least five years are eligible to donate properties to Waqf Amendment Bill. Another contentious clause states that government properties identified as Waqf will cease to belong to the government, with local Collectors responsible for determining ownership.
Opposition’s Reaction and Allegations
The Opposition has strongly condemned the bill, labeling it unconstitutional and accusing the government of trying to disenfranchise minorities. The Congress party has claim that the bill represents a “4D assault on the Constitution” and is aim at maligning minority communities.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi voiced his protest in a symbolic demonstration, tearing up a copy of the bill, comparing it to Mahatma Gandhi’s defiance of British laws in South Africa. The opposition has also criticized the government for ignoring suggestions made by the Joint Parliamentary Committee set up to examine the bill.
Government’s Stance: Property Management, Not Religion
In defense of the bill, the government emphasize that it is focus on property management rather than religion. Union Minister Amit Shah present a detail list of properties that had be declare as Waqf, including land owned by temples, other religions, and government entities. He argue that the legislation would help curb irregularities and ensure that Waqf properties benefit women and children rather than being monopolize.
Allegations of Appeasement Politics
Mr. Shah accused the previous government of appeasement politics, highlighting the amendment made to the Waqf Act in 2013. He point out that the revise act had enable 123 properties in Delhi’s Lutyens zone to be transfer to Waqf just 25 days before the elections, sparking controversy over the legitimacy of these decisions.
Arguments from the Opposition Camp
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi delivered a comprehensive rebuttal, accusing the government of diluting the Constitution and dividing Indian society. He questioned the bill’s origin, suggesting it was not crafted by the Minority Affairs Ministry.
Similarly, Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal launched a scathing attack, accusing the government of polarizing communities and attempting to divide minorities.
Provisions of the Amended Bill
Waqf Amendment Bill, The amended legislation stipulates that:
- Trusts created by Muslims under any other law will no longer be considered Waqf.
- Only practicing Muslims for at least five years can dedicate property to Waqf.
- Women must receive their inheritance before the declaration of Waqf, with special provisions for widows, divorced women, and orphans.
- An officer above the rank of Collector will investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
- In case of disputes, a senior government official will have the final say, replacing the current system where Waqf tribunals make decisions.
- Non-Muslim members will be included in central and state Waqf boards to enhance inclusivity.
Public Outcry and Legal Challenge
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has expressed its intention to challenge the bill in court, calling it unfair and biased. The organization plans to organize nationwide protests, including road blockades and peaceful demonstrations, similar to the farmers’ protests.
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Conclusion
The Waqf Amendment Bill has undeniably stirred political and social controversy, drawing sharp divisions between the ruling party and the opposition. While the government argues that the bill promotes better property management and transparency, critics see it as an attempt to undermine minority rights and consolidate control over Waqf properties. As the bill heads to the Rajya Sabha, the debate over its implications is far from over.
