Dawoodi Bohra Community Seeks Exclusion from Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, saw the Dawoodi Bohra Community requesting exclusion from the bill. Represented by Senior Advocate Harish Salve, the community emphasized their unique doctrines and practices, which they believe should be safeguarded under the leadership of the al-Dai al-Mutlaq.
Salve highlighted that the Dawoodi Bohra Community, a sub-minority within the Shia community, has been recognized as a “religious denomination” by the Supreme Court of India since 1962. The community has historically sought exclusion from waqf legislation, dating back to 1923, due to their distinct spiritual and administrative practices.
Salve argued that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, does not address the unique needs of the Dawoodi Bohra Community and could undermine their faith by equating the al-Dai al-Mutlaq with a Mutawalli. The community seeks exclusion from any legislation that would place their properties under the Waqf Board’s administration, as it contradicts their religious practices protected under the Indian Constitution.
Other organizations, including Akhil Bhartiya Adhivakta Parishad and Anveshak, also participated in the JPC meeting, offering support for the bill with amendments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to reform waqf property management by introducing digitization, audits, and legal measures to address mismanagement and corruption.
JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal noted that the committee has held 25 meetings, involving 123 stakeholders, to gather comprehensive input for the bill’s reform. The committee plans to continue consultations to ensure a thorough report is prepared.
Doubts Revealed
Dawoodi Bohra Community -: The Dawoodi Bohra Community is a group of people who follow a specific branch of Islam. They have their own unique beliefs and practices that are different from other Muslim communities.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 -: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 is a proposed law in India that aims to change how waqf properties are managed. Waqf properties are lands or buildings given for religious or charitable purposes in Islam.
Senior Advocate Harish Salve -: Harish Salve is a well-known lawyer in India who represents people or groups in important legal matters. In this case, he is speaking on behalf of the Dawoodi Bohra Community.
Joint Parliamentary Committee -: A Joint Parliamentary Committee is a group of members from both houses of the Indian Parliament. They come together to discuss and review specific issues or bills before they become laws.
al-Dai al-Mutlaq -: The al-Dai al-Mutlaq is a spiritual leader in the Dawoodi Bohra Community. This leader has a significant role in guiding the community’s religious and social matters.
waqf property management -: Waqf property management refers to how lands or buildings given for religious or charitable purposes are taken care of. The goal is to ensure these properties are used properly and not mismanaged or corrupted.