Experts weigh in on the potential impact of over four crore emails urging the withdrawal of the controversial bill
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — The remarkable response of Muslims across the country in opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill is nothing short of historic. Over four crore emails have flooded the inbox of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), urging reconsideration of the bill. The surge of emails is part of a well-coordinated effort to pressure the government to withdraw the proposed amendments. Whether these efforts will succeed, however, remains to be seen.
The sheer scale of the response has garnered attention, with national organisations encouraging Muslims to participate by scanning QR codes and sharing their opinions via email. As the movement gained momentum, Clarion India reported on the enthusiasm displayed by the community. The crucial question remains: Will these efforts lead to tangible results?
To delve deeper into the issue, Clarion India sought the views of key figures to understand the potential benefits of this unprecedented campaign. Prominent political leaders and legal experts were asked three pertinent questions: (1) What will happen to the emails sent? (2) What will the JPC do with them? (3) How will these emails influence the government’s proposed action?
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi expressed optimism regarding the impact of the campaign. “The JPC will examine these emails and invite those organisations that led the movement. They will make the objections part of their recommendations and submit a report to the government,” Owaisi explained. He stressed the importance of public opinion in a democratic setup, adding, “It’s not easy to ignore such a large number of opinions. However, it’s too early to predict the outcome.”
He reminded us that even during the triple talaq bill debate, Muslims had raised significant objections, although the bill was eventually passed.
It’s Different, Says Former RS Deputy Chairman
K. Rehman Khan, former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman and senior Congress leader, provided a detailed perspective on the process. He noted that the JPC would first assess the volume of support and opposition. “The JPC will specifically highlight the objectionable clauses and submit a report to the government with its recommendations,” he said. Khan believes that given the religious nature of the Waqf issue, it will be difficult for the government to reject the overwhelming response from the Muslim community. “This is purely a matter concerning Muslims, with no involvement of people from other religions. Rejecting the voices of millions of Muslims would not be easy,” he remarked.
Khan also highlighted the constitutional challenges the bill faces, saying, “The Waqf Amendment Bill contradicts three provisions of the constitution, including religious freedom. The government might either delay or reconsider passing the bill.”
When asked about the course of action if the government pushes the bill through, Khan suggested that legal recourse would be the next step. “The courts will be the last resort, where the government will face tough questions. For instance, why is there interference in Muslim religious affairs when the constitution grants freedom to all religions?”
Legal Opinion
Advocate Sagheer Khan also emphasised that the bill conflicts with the spirit of the Constitution. He explained that the JPC’s role is not to pass judgement but to assess the situation and provide recommendations. “The JPC will invite experts to examine the objections raised. Given the large number of emails sent, it’s unlikely that these views will be dismissed easily,” he said.
“The most crucial aspect is that the very community for whose welfare the amendment is intended is opposing it. There is a strong possibility that the government will reconsider the bill, especially with such widespread opposition,” Khan added.
Muslim Community United
One of the most significant aspects of this campaign has been the unified stance taken by Muslims from all sections of society. The broad-based opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill has demonstrated the strength of Muslim unity on this issue, further amplifying the voices against the bill.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to this unprecedented show of opposition. Will the voices of millions be heard, or will the Waqf Amendment Bill continue its course? Time will provide the answers, but for now, the remarkable efforts of the Muslim community have undeniably made their mark.
