Waqf Amendment Bill Passed in Lok Sabha
The Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday after a marathon 12-hour debate. Despite intense arguments from the Opposition, the bill was approved with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, thanks to the government’s numerical strength. The bill will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha later today.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The proposed bill seeks to amend the Waqf properties law from 1995. Some of the controversial provisions include:
- Mandatory Non-Muslim Members: The bill requires the inclusion of two non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards.
- Eligibility for Donations: Only individuals who have practiced Islam for at least five years can donate property to Waqf.
- Government Property Ownership: Government properties identified as Waqf will no longer belong to the government, and local collectors will decide their ownership.
Opposition’s Criticism
The Opposition argued that their suggestions were not considered by the Joint Parliamentary Committee, and they claimed the bill is unconstitutional.
- Congress’s Stand: Congress accused the government of attempting to “defame and disenfranchise minorities” and conducting an “assault on the Constitution.”
- Protest by Owaisi: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi symbolically tore up the bill, comparing it to Mahatma Gandhi’s protest against British laws in South Africa.
Government’s Defense
The government defended the bill by stating that it is about the management of property, not religion. They argued that large Waqf properties were misused, particularly by the Congress for political gain, and the new law would benefit women and children.
- Amit Shah’s Argument: Union Minister Amit Shah presented a list of properties that, according to him, had been wrongly taken by Waqf, including land belonging to temples and government properties.
- Kiren Rijiju’s Explanation: Minister Kiren Rijiju mentioned a case ongoing since 1970, involving properties such as the old Parliament building, arguing that without this amendment, even this building could have been claimed as Waqf property.
Opposition’s Response
- Gaurav Gogoi’s Rebuttal: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi called the bill an “assault on the Constitution” designed to weaken it and divide society.
- Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s Criticism: Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal accused the BJP of trying to create divisions among minorities. She also criticized the government for demolishing the historic gurudwara during the farmers’ protest.
- Iqra Choudhary’s Questioning: Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Choudhary questioned the government’s claim that Muslim women would benefit from the new law, arguing that women had already been included in Waqf boards before. (Also read: Sudhir Mishra Shocks Fans: Why Is Adolescence No. 1 in India Despite Breaking All Rules)
Independent MP’s Remarks
Independent MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh from Kashmir targeted Congress, claiming they had betrayed Muslims by pretending to care about their rights while working against their interests.
Provisions of the Amended Bill
Some key provisions of the Waqf Amendment Bill include:
- Trusts and Donations: Trusts created by Muslims under any law will no longer be considered Waqf. Only practicing Muslims for at least five years can donate property to Waqf.
- Women’s Inheritance: Muslim women must receive their inheritance before any property is declared Waqf, with special provisions for widows, divorced women, and orphans.
- Government Property Investigation: Officers above the rank of a collector will investigate government properties claimed as Waqf. In case of disputes, senior government officials will have the final say, replacing Waqf tribunals.
- Non-Muslim Inclusion: Non-Muslim members will be included in the Central and State Waqf Boards to ensure inclusivity.
All India Muslim Personal Law Board’s Protest
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has said it will challenge the Waqf Amendment Bill in court. Mohammad Mohsin, a spokesperson for the board, mentioned that they would organize protests across the country, similar to the farmers’ protests, and take peaceful measures like blocking roads if needed.
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