Debate Heats Up in Parliament Over Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
New Delhi, India – The fifth meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, saw intense discussions about the rights of the Muslim community and the majority population.
Key Participants
The meeting included contributions from Prof. Faizan Mustafa, Vice-Chancellor of Chanakya National Law University, Patna, representatives from the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz, and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).
Prof. Faizan Mustafa’s Views
Prof. Mustafa presented his views on the Waqf Board and Islamic traditions. While he supported many provisions of the bill, he raised objections on a few points, referencing practices from Hinduism and other religions.
Heated Exchanges
Several MPs from the BJP and NDA questioned Prof. Mustafa’s arguments, leading to a heated exchange. A BJP MP also accused an opposition member of misconduct.
Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz’s Support
The All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz strongly supported the bill. President Parvez Hanif stated that the bill aims to end corruption in the Waqf Board and address the rights of the Pasmanda community. Dr. Faiyaz Ahmad, an advisor, suggested including Dalits and tribals within the Muslim community in the board.
AIMPLB’s Opposition
The AIMPLB strongly opposed the bill, arguing that it interferes with the rights of Muslims to dedicate property for charitable, religious, or pious purposes. They claimed that the bill violates the rights of Waqf property managers and the usage of Waqf properties.
Future Discussions
The Joint Parliamentary Committee will hear views from the All India Sajjadanashin Council, Ajmer, Muslim Rashtriya Manch, Delhi, and Bharat First, Delhi, on September 20, 2024.
Doubts Revealed
Parliament -: Parliament is a place where important people called Members of Parliament (MPs) meet to make laws and discuss issues for the country.
Waqf -: Waqf is a special kind of property or land that is given for religious or charitable purposes in Islam.
Amendment -: An amendment is a change or addition made to a law or a document.
Bill -: A bill is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law that is presented for discussion in Parliament.
Joint Parliamentary Committee -: A Joint Parliamentary Committee is a group of MPs from both houses of Parliament who come together to discuss and examine specific issues or bills.
Prof. Faizan Mustafa -: Prof. Faizan Mustafa is a well-known teacher and expert in law who shares his knowledge and opinions on legal matters.
BJP MPs -: BJP MPs are Members of Parliament who belong to the Bharatiya Janata Party, a major political party in India.
All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz -: The All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz is a group that represents the interests of Pasmanda Muslims, who are considered to be from the lower social and economic classes in the Muslim community.
All India Muslim Personal Law Board -: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board is an organization that aims to protect and promote the personal laws of Muslims in India, especially related to marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
Religious rights -: Religious rights are the freedoms and protections that allow people to practice their religion without interference.
