Joint Parliamentary Committee clears controversial Waqf Amendment Bill with key changes

Waqf Amendment Bill cleared by JPC, 14 amendments approved

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Monday approved the Waqf Amendment Bill, which seeks to introduce 44 changes to the management of Muslim charitable properties in India. Fourteen of these amendments were accepted, while suggestions from opposition MPs were rejected after voting along party lines. The bill, tabled in the House in August last year, has sparked significant debate.

Key highlights of the JPC proceedings

Accepted and rejected amendments

• A total of 66 amendments were proposed: 23 from the ruling BJP and 44 from opposition parties.
• The JPC, led by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, accepted 14 amendments based on a majority vote.
• The JPC, which has 16 members from the BJP and allied parties versus 10 from the opposition, rejected all opposition-proposed amendments.

Upcoming vote and submission deadline

• Voting to confirm the accepted amendments will take place on January 29.
• The final report is scheduled for submission by January 31, ahead of the February 13 deadline set for the Budget Session.

Opposition allegations and tensions

• Opposition MPs accused the Chair of bias and alleged that the bill was being fast-tracked for political gains ahead of the February 5 Delhi elections.
• Some meetings turned chaotic, including an incident where Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee broke a glass bottle during a heated exchange with BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay.
• Last week, 10 opposition MPs, including AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi and Banerjee, were suspended for their conduct during discussions.

Proposed changes in the Bill

• Inclusion of non-Muslim members and at least two women in Waqf boards.
• Restructuring the central Waqf Council to include a Union minister, three MPs, two judges, four people of national repute, and senior government officials—none of whom must be Muslims.
• Restrictions on land claims by the Waqf Council.
• A controversial provision to limit donations to Muslims who have been practicing their faith for at least five years.

Criticism and constitutional concerns

The bill has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and rights groups. Key objections include:

• Alleged infringement on the constitutional rights of minorities, specifically Articles 15 (freedom of religion) and 30 (minority rights over educational institutions).
• Accusations of targeting Muslim practices and diminishing the autonomy of Waqf boards.
• Fears over the potential exclusion of Muslims in decision-making roles within the restructured Waqf Council.

Government’s defence

Proponents of the bill argue it seeks to modernize Waqf management, empower Muslim women and children, and ensure greater transparency in the use of charitable properties. The government has also framed the amendments as a step toward inclusivity and equality.

Looking ahead

With a contentious vote looming and the final report expected soon, the Waqf Amendment Bill has become a flashpoint in debates over governance, minority rights, and religious freedom in India. Its implementation, if passed, could reshape the administration of Waqf properties while facing potential legal and political challenges.

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