The opposition argues that the proposed amendments could potentially infringe on the rights of Muslims and were therefore unconstitutional
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – The Central Government has officially announced the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to deliberate on the Waqf Amendment Act, 2024. This crucial committee, comprising 31 members, will be responsible for examining the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act and submitting a detailed report by the last day of the first week of the next parliamentary session.
The formation of the committee highlights the importance of the Waqf Amendment Bill and the strong opposition to the government’s move.
The committee is composed of 21 members from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha members included in the committee are prominent political figures representing a cross-section of the political spectrum. The members include (From BJP) Jagadambika Pal, Nishikant Dubey, Tejaswi Surya, Aparajita Sarangi, Sanjay Jaiswal, Dilip Saikia, Abhijeet Gangopadhyay, and DK Aruna. Gaurav Gogoi, Imran Masood, Mohammad Javed represent the Congress. Other members are Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi (Samajwadi Party), Kalyan Banerjee (Trinamool Congress), A Raja (DMK), Krishna Deoraiyalu (Telugu Desam Party), Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena), Suresh Gopinath Mahatre (Nationalist Congress Party), Naresh Ganpat Mahaske (Shiv Sena – Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), Arun Bharti (Lok Jan Shakti Party – Ram Vilas faction) and Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM).
The Rajya Sabha is expected to nominate 10 members to the committee, ensuring representation from both houses of Parliament. The inclusion of these members reflects a balanced approach, with representatives from various political parties contributing to the discussion and evaluation of the proposed amendments.
The formation of the JPC was approved by the Lok Sabha on Friday, following a motion moved by Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju. The proposal was passed by a voice vote.
The decision to refer the Waqf Amendment Bill to a JPC came after intense debate in the Lok Sabha. The bill, which aims to amend the existing Waqf Board Act, was introduced on Thursday amidst strong opposition from several political parties. The opposition argued that the proposed amendments could potentially infringe on the rights of Muslims and were therefore unconstitutional.
The introduction of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha was met with significant controversy. AIMIM leader Owaisi was among the most vocal critics of the bill. He labelled the bill as anti-Muslim and discriminatory, arguing that it violated the principles enshrined in Articles 14, 15, and 25 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law, non-discrimination, and freedom of religion, respectively.
Owaisi’s concerns were echoed by other opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and members of the Communist Party of India (CPI). They argued that the bill represented an unwarranted interference in the rights of Muslims and was a direct attack on the autonomy of Waqf properties, which are traditionally meant for religious or charitable purposes within the Muslim community.
The opposition’s apprehensions were further amplified by the fact that the bill was introduced despite strong protests. Many opposition members interpreted the bill as part of a broader agenda to undermine the rights of minorities. However, the government, led by Minister Rijiju, defended the bill, stating that the proposed amendments were not intended to interfere with the functioning of mosques or any other religious institutions.
In response to the opposition’s criticism, Rijiju said the amendments were intended to streamline the functioning of Waqf Boards across the country and ensure greater transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties.
Rijiju also expressed the government’s willingness to engage in a constructive dialogue with all stakeholders, including opposition parties, to address any concerns. This commitment to dialogue was reflected in the decision to refer the bill to a JPC, allowing for a more comprehensive examination of the proposed amendments.
In his speech, Rijiju highlighted the importance of the JPC’s role in ensuring that the bill is thoroughly scrutinised. He assured the opposition that the government was open to making necessary changes to the bill based on the committee’s recommendations.
The formation of the JPC marks a critical step in the legislative process for the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024. The committee is expected to conduct a detailed examination of the bill, including consultations with various stakeholders, legal experts, and representatives of the Muslim community. The committee’s findings and recommendations will play a crucial role in shaping the final version of the bill.
The JPC report will be eagerly awaited by both supporters and critics of the bill. The outcome of the committee’s deliberations could have significant implications for the future of Waqf properties in India and the rights of the Muslim community.
