Mon Jan 27 16:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Parliament Committee Approves Changes to Controversial Waqf Bill
**New Delhi:** A joint parliamentary committee (JPC) has approved 14 amendments to the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, paving the way for significant changes in the management of Muslim charitable properties. The bill, originally introduced in August 2022, proposes 44 changes to the existing Waqf Act.
The approved amendments, primarily proposed by ruling BJP members, clarify the role of non-Muslim members on Waqf councils, specifying a minimum of two, potentially more depending on ex-officio appointments. The amendments also shift the responsibility for determining whether a property is Waqf from the District Collector to a state-nominated officer. Crucially, the bill will not apply retrospectively to already registered properties. However, this has raised concerns, as an estimated 90% of Waqf properties remain unregistered.
Another key amendment requires individuals donating land to demonstrate at least five years of practicing Islam and confirm the donation is genuine.
While the ruling party and its allies supported the amendments, opposition parties vehemently opposed the bill, with their 44 proposed amendments rejected in a 10-16 vote along party lines. Opposition members criticized the bill as an attack on religious freedom and argued it violates constitutional rights, particularly Articles 15 and 30. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on Muslim women and the rights of minority communities.
The JPC is set to finalize its report by January 31st, after a final vote on the amendments on January 29th. The original deadline was extended from November 29th to February 13th. While proponents claim the changes will empower Muslim women, critics argue the bill is discriminatory and infringes upon religious freedoms.
First Piper 