The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, held in Delhi on Friday, turned contentious as opposition members raised objections and staged protests. They alleged that they were not provided sufficient time to review and research the proposed amendments to the draft bill.
Opposition parties accused the BJP of expediting the report’s submission with an eye on the upcoming Delhi elections. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that the committee’s proceedings had devolved into a mockery. In an unprecedented move, the committee responded by suspending ten opposition MPs, including Banerjee and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, for one day. This development further highlighted the growing rift between the ruling party and the opposition regarding the bill.
The controversy extended beyond parliamentary halls, with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent Hurriyat leader from Jammu and Kashmir, voicing his disapproval of the proposed amendments. Farooq criticized the changes, arguing that they pose a serious threat to the autonomy and independent functioning of Waqf boards. He expressed concern over provisions granting district collectors extensive authority, including the power to alter revenue records and classify Waqf properties as government assets. According to him, these amendments would undermine the fundamental purpose of the Waqf Act and infringe upon Muslim Personal Law, ultimately weakening the autonomy of Waqf properties.
Farooq further warned that such legislative changes could erode trust within the Muslim community, as they expose religious properties to potential government interference. He noted that this would not only leave these properties vulnerable but would also deepen insecurities and mistrust among Muslims, who already face challenges in safeguarding their cultural and religious heritage.
Meanwhile, JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal addressed the concerns raised by the opposition, clarifying that changes in the meeting agenda were made at their request. Pal explained that a clause-by-clause discussion of the bill, originally scheduled for January 27, was postponed to accommodate the opposition’s demand to invite Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for consultation. “The final report will now be presented during the Budget Session on January 31,” Pal said, emphasizing the committee’s efforts to ensure inclusivity in deliberations.
Pal also highlighted the JPC’s commitment over the past six months, during which 34 meetings were conducted in Delhi alone. He described the sessions as constructive and expressed confidence that the final report would address public concerns effectively.
As the JPC convened its final meeting on Friday, scheduled from 11 AM to 3:30 PM in the Main Committee Room of Parliament House Annexe, the stage was set for the culmination of extensive discussions and deliberations held across multiple locations. This meeting marked the conclusion of the JPC’s work on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, following a series of discussions in cities such as Patna, Kolkata, and Lucknow. Pal reiterated the committee’s dedication to transparency and inclusivity, stating, “Our aim has always been to create a report that serves the best interests of the people.”
However, opposition members continued to push back against the proceedings, demanding the postponement of meetings scheduled for January 24 and 25. DMK leader and Lok Sabha Chief Whip A Raja penned a letter to JPC Chairman Pal, criticizing the tight scheduling of the sessions. Raja pointed out that the JPC’s tours to Patna, Kolkata, and Lucknow had only concluded on January 21, and the subsequent meetings were announced hastily, leaving little time for members to prepare adequately. “This rushed timeline raises questions about the committee’s commitment to a thorough and fair deliberation process,” he remarked.
The controversy surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 stems from its proposed reforms to address longstanding issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachment of Waqf properties. The Waqf Act 1995, which governs these properties, has faced criticism over the years for its lack of efficiency and accountability. The amendments aim to introduce measures such as digitalization of records, enhanced auditing practices, greater transparency, and mechanisms to recover illegally occupied properties.
As the budget session of Parliament, scheduled from January 31 to April 4, approaches, the JPC’s report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 is expected to play a critical role in shaping the legislative agenda. The Central Budget is slated to be presented on February 1, adding to the significance of this session. Whether the JPC’s efforts to address concerns surrounding the bill will be seen as sufficient by the opposition and stakeholders remains to be seen. However, the heated debates and protests indicate that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 will remain a focal point of political and community discourse in the coming weeks.
