Mahbubnagar, Sep 3: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, urging for a nationwide protest against the proposed legislation. Speaking at a protest gathering in Telangana, Owaisi expressed deep concern over the bill, describing it as unconstitutional and harmful to the interests of the Muslim community, reported The Hindu.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was introduced during the budget session of Parliament, proposes drastic changes to the existing Waqf Act, 1995. Among the changes, it seeks to rename the Act as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995, and redefine “Waqf” to include only properties owned by Muslims who have practiced Islam for at least five years. It also aims to ensure that the creation of Waqf-alal-Aulad does not deny inheritance rights to women.
Owaisi, addressing the gathering on behalf of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, stated, “We have gathered here today because of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, brought by the Modi government. The AIMPLB has decided to launch a nationwide protest and make people aware of how this Bill is against the Constitution.”
The bill also proposes the omission of Section 40, which currently empowers Waqf Boards to determine if a property is Waqf property. Additionally, it calls for the creation of a central portal for filing accounts of Waqf properties by Mutawallis, reforms to the Tribunal structure, and the establishment of a separate Board of Auqaf for Boharas and Aghakhanis.
During the second meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), headed by MP Jagadambika Pal, various Muslim bodies raised concerns about several clauses in the bill. The most contentious issue was the concept of ‘Waqf by Users,’ which many argued is a matter of religious faith and practice, urging the government not to interfere.
The JPC has invited views and suggestions from the public, NGOs, experts, and other stakeholders to ensure thorough scrutiny of the bill.
The nationwide protest called by Owaisi and the AIMPLB aims to mobilize public opinion against the bill and to protect the rights and interests of the Muslim community in India.
