New Delhi: Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) on the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining amendments to the Waqf Act have called for an extension of the November 29 deadline to allow more time for deliberations. However, JPC Chairperson Jagdambika Pal announced on Thursday that the panel’s draft report is ready for discussion during the upcoming winter session of Parliament.
“Our preliminary report is complete, and we will soon schedule a clause-by-clause discussion on its recommendations,” Pal said after a six-hour meeting where the minority affairs ministry presented a detailed justification for the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act.
Despite this, Opposition MPs plan to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on November 25, the first day of the Parliament session, to request an extension. They argue that more time is needed for further queries and clarifications.
Pal has emphasised that the committee conducted extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders, ensuring all members had opportunities to ask questions and receive responses.
However, opposition MPs from Congress, TMC, DMK, AAP, and AIMIM remain critical of the process. They have alleged that the proposed legislation reflects the BJP-led government’s political agenda and have raised concerns about Pal’s selection of stakeholders. Several MPs have also lodged complaints with Speaker Birla, accusing the chairperson of acting unilaterally to further the government’s objectives.
