Heated Discussions and Walkout Mark Second Meeting as Opposition Challenges Key Provisions
Mohammad Alamullah
NEW DELHI – The second meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) tasked with reviewing the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 held on Saturday turned contentious, with members clashing over several provisions. The meeting, chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, spanned overeight hours and was marked by intense debate and a walkout by opposition members.
The committee, formed to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, heard from stakeholders, including the All India Sunni Jamiat Ulama, Indian Muslims for Civil Rights (IMCR), Uttar Pradesh Sunni Waqf Board, and the Rajasthan Board of Muslim Waqf. Concerns were raised regarding the expanded powers granted to District Magistrates, including their authority to survey Waqf properties and adjudicate disputes. Stakeholders questioned the intent behind these amendments, with opposition parties echoing their apprehensions.
A significant point of contention arose when the DMK objected to the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards. “The inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards is unacceptable and contradicts the very purpose of these institutions,” a DMK representative argued. Opposition MPs also challenged the role of District Magistrates in dispute resolution, arguing that it could lead to a conflict of interest. “How can District Magistrates be the final authority on such matters? It undermines the impartiality of the process,” one opposition Parliamentarian stated.
The meeting witnessed a heated exchange between BJP MP Dilip Saikia and Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh. The clash escalated following remarks by Saikia that were perceived as offensive, leading to a ruckus in the proceedings. Further tension was caused by the presence of a lawyer representing Indian Muslims for Civil Rights and the Rajasthan Board of Muslim Waqf, which some members objected to.
As a result of these disagreements, several opposition members, including Muhammad Javed and Imran Masood from the Congress, Arvind Sawant from Shiv Sena-UBT, Sanjay Singh from AAP, and Asaduddin Owaisi from AIMIM, walked out of the meeting. DMK members A. Raja and M. Muhammad Abdullah, along with SP’s Mohibullah, also joined the walkout.
Concerns were also raised about the removal of the ‘user provision’ in the Waqf Act. Opposition members argued that this change could destabilise the ownership of over one lakh properties in Uttar Pradesh, which had been protected under the previous provision. They asserted that legally recognising the ‘user by waqf’ principle is crucial for safeguarding historical sites continuously used as Waqf properties. “Without this protection, these sites could be vulnerable to malicious claims and legal challenges,” warned an opposition MP.
The debate became particularly heated between BJP member Medha Kulkarni and Asaduddin Owaisi, with both sides staunchly defending their positions. Despite the tensions, the meeting concluded with plans for the next JPC session to be held on September 5 and 6. The initial meeting of the committee took place on August 22.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee comprises 31 members from both Houses of Parliament, with 21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. Key members include Asaduddin Owaisi, Imran Masood, Muhammad Javed, Maulana Mohibullah, Ghulam Ali, Syed Naseer Hussain, Nishi Kant Dubey, Aparajita Sarangi, Tejaswi Surya, and A. Raja.
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 has sparked considerable debate, with opposition members demanding greater scrutiny of the proposed changes. The upcoming meetings will likely see further clashes as the committee works to finalise the bill’s details.