Tue Jan 28 16:22:18 UTC 2025: ## Opposition Slams “Undemocratic” Passage of Waqf Amendment Bill

**NEW DELHI** – The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) approved the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on January 27th, sparking outrage from opposition parties who accused the ruling BJP of railroading the legislation through without proper debate. The JPC, chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, adopted all 14 amendments proposed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), rejecting every opposition amendment.

Opposition MPs accused Pal of conducting the proceedings in a dictatorial manner, denying them adequate time to present their amendments and bypassing standard parliamentary procedures like clause-by-clause debates. Ten opposition MPs, including high-profile members from the TMC, DMK, and Congress, were suspended for a day following protests over the alleged procedural irregularities.

The bill itself proposes significant changes to the governance of Waqf boards, which manage properties donated for religious and charitable purposes by the Muslim community. Key contentious provisions include: the mandatory inclusion of non-Muslim members on state Waqf boards; the elimination of “Waqf by user,” potentially affecting longstanding religious sites; the empowerment of district collectors to determine ownership of disputed properties; and a new appeals process to high courts.

While the government, including Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, claims the amendments aim to improve transparency and efficiency, the opposition views them as an attack on minority rights and a move towards centralizing control over Waqf boards. They argue the changes erode the autonomy of these institutions and could lead to misuse of power and political interference.

The debate surrounding the bill highlights deep ideological divisions within India’s political landscape, raising questions about the balance between governance and religious autonomy, and the role of minority institutions in a pluralistic society. The bill now proceeds to Parliament for final approval.

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