New Delhi: A delegation from All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), led by General Secretary Maulana Muhammad Fazlurrahman Mujaddidi, met with Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole at Hotel Sofitel in Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai on Friday. The delegation presented a memorandum urging the Congress leader to press the central government for the immediate withdrawal of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, labeling the proposed legislation as unconstitutional and harmful to Muslim interests, reported The Hindu.
During the meeting, Maulana Mujaddidi clarified a widespread misconception circulating on social media, which falsely claimed that the Waqf Board could claim ownership of any land and force the government to transfer it. He explained that, in reality, thousands of acres of Waqf properties are currently under illegal occupation, and the Board is working to reclaim these lands. The new bill, he warned, would strip the Waqf Board of control over these encroached lands.
The delegation raised concerns about the transfer of judicial powers from Waqf tribunals to district collectors under the proposed amendments. They argued that district collectors, as government officials, might be hesitant to take actions that could go against government interests. Additionally, they voiced opposition to provisions allowing non-Muslims to serve on Waqf Boards and the removal of the requirement that the CEO be a Muslim, viewing these as moves to weaken Waqf institutions.
Maulana Mujaddidi emphasized that Waqf properties are private assets dedicated by Muslims for charitable purposes, not public lands, and thus should remain under the community’s control. He urged opposition parties to unite and resist the bill, cautioning that Muslims would continue to fight for their rights as protected by the Constitution if the bill were passed.
Responding to the delegation’s concerns, Mr. Patole assured them of his party’s commitment to justice and its longstanding support for the Muslim community. He promised to convey their grievances to the Congress leadership and expressed his personal support in opposing the bill.
The delegation included prominent figures such as Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Khan Daryabadi, Dr. Zahir Qazi, Fareed Sheikh, Maulana Burhanuddin Qasmi, Shia scholar Agha Rooh Zafar, and others.
The AIMPLB continues to call for widespread opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, asserting that it undermines the rights of Muslims and threatens the integrity of Waqf properties across India.
