BJP-Led Government to Table Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha

BJP-Led Government to Table Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, April 3, 2024: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government is set to table the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, announced on Tuesday. The bill will be presented after the Question Hour for consideration and passing, followed by an extensive eight-hour discussion, which may be extended if necessary, Rijiju informed.

Objective and Provisions of the Bill

Earlier, Kiren Rijiju briefed BJP spokespersons about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill at the party’s headquarters, providing a comprehensive overview of its provisions. He emphasized that the bill aims to reform Waqf management, enhance transparency, and promote digitization while ensuring that the rights of religious institutions remain intact.

“The bill does not interfere with the freedom of religious institutions,” Rijiju stated. “Instead, it is designed to provide rights to those who previously lacked them, particularly in relation to the management of Waqf properties.”

The proposed amendments to the Waqf Act of 1995 include updates to the definition of Waqf, improvements in the registration process, and increased use of technology in managing Waqf records. The government asserts that the bill will resolve long-standing issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments that have plagued Waqf properties for years.

Opposition and Criticism

Despite the government’s reassurances, the amendment has faced strong opposition from several political parties and minority groups. Critics have labeled the bill as “unconstitutional,” arguing that it could undermine Muslim rights and the autonomy of Waqf institutions.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has been one of the most vocal opponents of the bill. He condemned it as a “grave violation” of Articles 14, 25, 26, and 29 of the Indian Constitution. Owaisi further referred to the bill as the “Waqf Barbaad Bill” (Waqf Destruction Bill) and questioned the rationale behind the support for the bill from BJP allies, including Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, Chirag Paswan, and Jayant Chaudhary.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also expressed his opposition, accusing the BJP of attempting to interfere in all matters to consolidate power. “We are against the Waqf Board Bill because the BJP wants to interfere in everything. They want control everywhere,” Yadav stated.

Historical Context and Legislative Process

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was first introduced in the Lok Sabha in August 2024. Following its introduction, a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) led by Jagdambika Pal was formed to review and consider necessary modifications. The committee analyzed the bill in detail, consulting stakeholders and legal experts before finalizing recommendations for the Lok Sabha debate.

The original Waqf Act of 1995 was designed to regulate and manage Waqf properties effectively. However, over the years, it has faced criticism for loopholes that led to mismanagement, corruption, and land encroachments. The new amendment seeks to address these concerns and strengthen the governance of Waqf boards across the country.

Government’s Justification and Strategic Approach

The BJP government has maintained that the amendments will bring transparency to Waqf management by leveraging digital tools and modernized governance practices. Rijiju reiterated that the bill is not meant to curtail religious freedom but to ensure that Waqf properties are managed efficiently for the benefit of all stakeholders.

The government has strategically reached out to its allies to ensure a smooth passage of the bill. In his address, Rijiju reassured political partners and minority leaders that the bill is focused on reform rather than control. He pointed out that several other religious and charitable institutions in India have undergone similar regulatory reforms to enhance accountability and reduce mismanagement.

Future Implications and Expected Outcomes

If passed, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, will likely change the way Waqf properties are governed and administered in India. The digitization of records, stricter registration guidelines, and new oversight mechanisms could help prevent illegal encroachments and mismanagement of Waqf assets.

However, the strong opposition to the bill suggests that legal and political challenges may follow. Minority groups and opposition parties could seek judicial intervention to challenge certain provisions, citing constitutional concerns. The political discourse surrounding the bill is expected to remain intense, with debates likely to continue in both houses of Parliament and beyond.

As the Lok Sabha takes up the bill for discussion on Wednesday, all eyes will be on how the ruling party navigates the opposition’s resistance and whether any amendments will be made to address concerns raised by stakeholders. The outcome of this legislative battle could have lasting implications for the governance of religious properties in India.