Tue Apr 01 06:07:14 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Catholic Church Warns Kerala MPs Over Waqf Amendment Bill
**Kottayam, April 1, 2025** – The Catholic Church in Kerala has issued a stern warning to the state’s parliamentarians, urging them to support the Waqf Amendment Bill. In a strongly worded editorial published in *Deepika*, the Church’s official mouthpiece, the Church criticized the Congress and CPI(M) for potentially prioritizing vote banks over upholding secular and democratic values. The editorial suggests these parties are neglecting the legal needs of those affected by existing Waqf laws.
The Church highlighted the plight of Munambam residents facing land disputes, arguing the amendment is crucial for securing their rightful revenue claims. The editorial also called on the BJP to ensure the bill includes provisions for returning land wrongfully acquired by Waqf boards to their rightful owners.
The Church acknowledged IUML MP Haris Beeran’s threat to challenge the bill in the Supreme Court but countered that the Munambam residents are also fighting for their constitutional rights, facing an unequal system that forces them to navigate religious tribunals instead of civil courts. The editorial emphasized the need for direct access to civil courts for those facing land encroachments by religious boards, a right it argues is denied to those affected by Waqf disputes. The Church concludes that this legislation should prioritize justice, not political maneuvering.
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