New Delhi: The renowned Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband has strongly objected to the proposed amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Speaking during a meeting with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Wednesday, Maulana Arshad Madani, a prominent scholar, expressed grave concerns about the bill’s potential consequences, reports the Hindustan Times.
Maulana Madani, who addressed the committee for nearly two hours, warned, “If these amendments are passed, the safety and sanctity of Muslim places of worship could be jeopardised.”
He further elaborated on the risks posed to historical mosques and other religious sites, noting that it is nearly impossible to determine the original donors or Waqifs (endowers) of such landmarks after centuries.
The Darul Uloom delegation presented a 22-point memorandum to the JPC, highlighting the flaws in the proposed amendments and offering detailed reasons for their rejection. According to parliamentary sources, the seminary advocated for equitable governance and administration across all religious institutions in the country.
Responding to the concerns raised, JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal stated, “Darul Uloom Deoband, being an institution with a 150-year legacy, provided valuable insights and written suggestions. The committee will thoroughly examine their input.”
Maulana Madani underscored the bill’s potential impact on India’s rich cultural and religious heritage, questioning the motivations behind the proposed changes.
“India is home to numerous ancient mosques and religious sites, and the proposed amendments appear to undermine their protection,” he stated.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has sparked widespread opposition, with several Muslim organisations expressing similar apprehensions. The Joint Parliamentary Committee is expected to review all submissions before making further recommendations.
