Mumbai: A high-level delegation from the Federation of Maharashtra Muslims recently met with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) at the Taj Hotel in Santa Cruz, presenting a memorandum that calls for the immediate rejection of the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The delegation argued that the bill is unconstitutional and detrimental to the interests of the Muslim community, reports the Daily Tamir-e-Siyasat.
During the meeting, the delegation emphasized that there is overwhelming opposition to this controversial bill among Muslims nationwide. They reported that over 55 million Muslims have expressed their dissent by sending emails opposing the amendment, as per the JPC’s directives. Additionally, numerous handwritten and typed letters have been dispatched via postal and courier services, highlighting the widespread demand for the bill’s withdrawal.
The delegation also noted that many Muslims in rural areas or those without access to smartphones are equally opposed to the bill, despite their inability to send emails. They warned against a false narrative circulating on social media that suggests the government is obligated to grant land to the Waqf if it lays claim to it. In reality, thousands of acres of Waqf land are under illegal occupation, including by central and state governments, with ongoing efforts to reclaim this land. The delegation cautioned that if the bill passes, it could result in the removal of these occupied lands from Waqf control.
Currently, a multi-tier judicial system exists for Waqf matters, allowing appeals from Waqf Tribunals to High Courts and the Supreme Court. However, the proposed amendment seeks to transfer all judicial matters to district collectors, who may lack the independence to rule against government interests.
The delegation opposed the inclusion of non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board and the removal of the requirement for a Muslim Chief Executive Officer. They expressed deep concern that the amendment aims to facilitate the occupation of Waqf lands, a notion that is wholly unacceptable to the Muslim community. They reiterated that Waqf lands are not public properties but private properties dedicated to God for charitable and welfare purposes.
Participants in the meeting urged the government to withdraw the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 immediately. They also called on the JPC to engage with genuine grassroots organizations that represent the Muslim community, warning against the influence of superficial organizations that may seek to approach the committee.
The delegation expressed hope that the JPC would communicate the sentiments of the Muslim community regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill to the government and recommend its rejection. They stressed that if the bill is passed against their will, the Muslim community would have no choice but to resist it through constitutional means.
Notable attendees from the meeting included Maulana Mahmood Ahmed Khan Daryabadi, General Secretary of All India Ulama Council; Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Maharashtra; Dr. Zaheer Qazi, President of Anjuman Islam; Farid Sheikh, President of Mumbai Peace Committee; Maulana Faheem Falahi, Secretary of JIH Maharashtra Waqf Cell; Mohammad Siraj, President of Movement for Peace and Justice; Shia scholar Agha Rooh Zafar; Advocate Mobeen Ahmed, Secretary of JIH Mumbai; Shakir Sheikh, Managing Trustee of Bombay Education and Social Trust; Saleem Motorwala, Secretary of MPJ; Afzar Usmani, and Hafiz Iqbal Chunawala from the Memon Community.
The JPC was represented by Chairman Mr. Jagdambika Pal, along with members Maulana Mohibullah Nadwi, Asaduddin Owaisi, Nishikant Dubey, Arvind Sawant, Suresh Gopinath, and Kalyan Banerjee, among others.
