Wed Jan 29 11:59:55 UTC 2025: **Controversial Waqf Amendment Bill Passes Joint Parliamentary Committee Amidst Opposition Outcry**
NEW DELHI, January 28, 2025 – The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) approved the Waqf Amendment Bill on Saturday, sparking immediate controversy and accusations of railroading the legislation through Parliament. The bill, which includes 14 amendments to the original draft, aims to reform the governance of Waqf boards, responsible for managing Muslim religious endowments.
The JPC, chaired by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, rejected all 44 amendments proposed by opposition members. The committee’s report, originally due November 29, 2023, was delayed until the current Budget Session, fueling opposition claims of bias. Ten opposition MPs were recently suspended for protesting the process, which has been marked by heated exchanges, including one incident where a Trinamool Congress MP reportedly smashed a glass bottle.
Opposition parties strongly criticized the timing of the bill’s passage, pointing to the upcoming Delhi elections on February 5th. Prominent figures like Asaduddin Owaisi and Kanimozhi have voiced concerns that the amendments are unconstitutional, raising questions about minority rights and religious governance in India. The bill’s future remains uncertain, but its passage through the JPC sets the stage for further intense debate in Parliament.
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