Bill to amend Waqf Act referred to joint House panel amid opposition
The bill to amend the 1995 Waqf Act for more centralised control of Islamic charitable endowments was on Thursday referred to a joint parliamentary panel for further scrutiny after the Congess-led Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance opposed the proposed law in its present form.
Parties such as Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Samajwadi Party (SP), and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) have criticised the proposed amendments including for inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf governance saying they will encroach on the religious rights.
The government has maintained the draft legislation seeks to improve the administration of waqf properties that Muslims dedicate for religious or philanthropic purposes as part of piety to perpetuate charitable activities beyond their lifetime.
SP leader Akhilesh Yadav claimed the bill was a part of well-planned politics. “When other religious boards do not have non-believers, why non-Muslims should be included in waqf boards? The reality is BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party] has brought this bill for its few hardline supporters who are frustrated.”
Congress leader K C Venugopal slammed the bill saying it amounted to an attack on the Constitution. “Waqf properties come from donations. It [bill] violates Article 26 of the Constitution [guaranteeing the right to form and maintain institutions for religious and charitable intents]. In this bill, they [the government] are putting a provision that non-Muslims can also be members of the governing council,” Venugopal said.