– The government has referred the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 to a Joint Committee of Parliament
– The Bill proposes sweeping changes to how Waqfs are governed and regulated
– The law on Waqf in India dates back to 1913
– The Bill seeks to shift power from Muslim-run Boards and Tribunals to state governments
– The proposed amendments include changing the name of the parent Act, introducing new provisions, and redefining how a property is deemed as Waqf
– The Bill also allows for a non-Muslim CEO and non-Muslim members on state Waqf Boards
– The amendments have been criticized by the Opposition as “unconstitutional”, “anti-minority”, and “divisive”