Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather has strongly opposed the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a direct violation of Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of religion, reported the Kashmir Vision.
The bill, passed in the Lok Sabha after a 12-hour debate, has drawn criticism from various quarters, including over 200 Members of Parliament who opposed it. Many critics argue that the bill grants excessive government control over Waqf boards, diminishing their independence.
Religious scholars and community leaders have voiced concerns that the legislation sets a dangerous precedent by interfering in religious affairs. The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has sparked widespread debate and concern among the Muslim community and opposition parties, who see it as an attempt to erode the autonomy of Waqf institutions.
