AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi Calls for Nationwide Protest Against Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Mahbubnagar (Telangana) [India], September 2: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and called for a nationwide protest. Speaking at a protest gathering in Telangana, Owaisi stated that the All India Muslim Personal Law Board has decided to launch a nationwide protest to raise awareness about how the Bill is against the Constitution.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. It seeks to clearly define ‘Waqf’ and ensure that the creation of Waqf-alal-aulad does not deny inheritance rights to women. The bill also proposes reforms such as omitting Section 40, filing accounts of waqf by Mutawallis through a central portal, reforming the Tribunal structure, and establishing a separate Board of Auqaf for Boharas and Aghakhanis.
The bill was introduced in the budget session of Parliament and sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further scrutiny. On August 30, the JPC, headed by MP Jagadambika Pal, held its second meeting and invited various Muslim bodies to register their views. Concerns were raised about several clauses of the bill, particularly ‘Waqf by Users,’ which was a key issue of heated discussion. The JPC has also invited views and suggestions from the public, NGOs, experts, stakeholders, and institutions.
Doubts Revealed
AIMIM -: AIMIM stands for All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen. It is a political party in India that mainly represents the interests of the Muslim community.
Asaduddin Owaisi -: Asaduddin Owaisi is an Indian politician and the president of the AIMIM party. He is known for advocating for the rights of Muslims in India.
Waqf -: Waqf is a type of charitable trust in Islamic law. It involves donating property or money for religious or charitable purposes, and the assets are used to benefit the community.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 -: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is a proposed law that aims to change the existing Waqf Act of 1995. It includes new rules and reforms, such as defining what ‘Waqf’ means and ensuring that women can inherit Waqf properties.
Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) -: A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is a group of members from both houses of the Indian Parliament. They review and discuss important bills and issues before they become law.
Telangana -: Telangana is a state in southern India. It was formed in 2014 and its capital city is Hyderabad.
Nationwide protest -: A nationwide protest means people all over the country are coming together to show their disagreement or concern about something. In this case, it’s about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Muslim bodies -: Muslim bodies are organizations or groups that represent the interests and concerns of the Muslim community. They often work on social, religious, and political issues affecting Muslims.
