All eyes will be on Parliament to see whether the bill clears the final hurdle during the closing days of the January 31-April 4 budget session
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, a highly anticipated piece of legislation, is nearing its final stages as the parliamentary committee responsible for its examination prepares to consider the proposed law clause-by-clause. This detailed scrutiny, scheduled for January 24 and 25, marks a significant step in the legislative process, with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) working diligently to finalise its report for presentation during the budget session.
The JPC, chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, has undertaken an extensive consultation process with stakeholders across the country. According to sources, the committee has now reached the stage where members can propose amendments to the draft law. These amendments will be subjected to a vote, allowing for the inclusion of diverse perspectives before the final report is presented to Parliament.
Speaker Om Birla has extended the committee’s mandate until the last day of the budget session, which runs from January 31 to April 4, with a mid-session recess. This timeline underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a comprehensive review of the proposed amendments. However, opposition members have raised concerns about the bill, citing potential implications for Waqf properties and governance.
Opposition MPs are expected to strongly oppose the bill, proposing amendments to address their concerns. Despite this, the likelihood of these amendments being accepted appears slim, as the BJP and its allies hold a majority within the committee.
“We believe the current bill needs significant revision to address the concerns of minority communities,” an opposition MP remarked. “However, with the committee’s composition, it’s uncertain whether our proposals will gain traction.”
Official sources have confirmed that the draft report will be prepared following the clause-by-clause review. The Legislative Department will then receive the draft for further vetting. “Once the chairman approves the amended bill, it will be circulated among members for final consideration,” a source disclosed. The adoption date for the final report remains to be announced, but the expectation is that it will align with the broader budget session timeline.
Uttar Pradesh holds a unique position in this legislative endeavour due to its extensive Waqf properties, the highest in the country. This factor has added an extra layer of importance to the state’s role in shaping the bill’s implications.
Ali Zaidi, Chairman of the Shia Central Waqf Board, expressed optimism about the government’s approach. “There is no doubt about the intentions of the central government,” he said. “We hope for a fair decision that reflects the interests of all Muslims.”
As the Waqf (Amendment) Bill approaches its final stages, the nation’s attention remains fixed on the parliamentary process. The outcome will not only shape the governance of Waqf properties but also set a precedent for future legislative deliberations on matters impacting minority communities.
With the draft expected to be ready in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Parliament to see whether the bill clears the final hurdle during the budget session’s closing days. The balance between inclusivity and majority rule in this process will likely spark discussions far beyond the legislative chambers.
