The Waqf Modification Invoice, 2024, has been referred to a joint committee of Parliament after going through sturdy opposition within the Lok Sabha. Speaker Om Birla stated that the Joint Committee might be shaped quickly Home after session with the stakeholders.
Opposition members within the Lok Sabha voiced their discontent, opposing the invoice’s introduction and expressing considerations over its implications for minority rights. They argued that the invoice was an affront to constitutional ideas and will result in divisiveness. The important thing level of rivalry was the proposed inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, which the opposition argued was a violation of non secular freedoms.
Akhilesh Yadav- Amit Shah Tussle
Throughout the debate on the Waqf (Modification) Invoice, Yadav expressed sturdy opposition, stating, “This invoice is a part of a well-coordinated political agenda. Mr. Speaker, I’ve heard rumors within the foyer suggesting that a few of your powers are being restricted, and we might have to combat to safeguard your rights. I oppose this invoice.”
Opposing Yadav, House Minister Amit Shah responded, “Akhilesh ji, you can’t make such ambiguous statements. You aren’t the guardian of the Speaker’s rights.”
Minister’s Protection of the Invoice
In response to the opposition’s considerations, Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the invoice, emphasizing that it was not an infringement on non secular freedom as assured by the Structure. He asserted that the proposed amendments aimed to deal with longstanding points inside the Waqf Boards and to offer justice to marginalized teams inside the Muslim group, together with ladies and backward lessons. “Some individuals have captured the entire Waqf Board. We’re bringing this Invoice to offer justice to all Muslims,” Rijiju said.
Kiren Rijiju agreed to session with stakeholders inside the joint Home panel as soon as it was shaped.
Key Provisions of the Modification
The Waqf (Modification) Invoice, 2024, proposes a number of vital adjustments, together with permitting the state authorities to nominate a non-Muslim chief govt officer and at the least two non-Muslim members to the state Waqf Boards. Moreover, the invoice proposes empowering the district collector to find out whether or not a property is Waqf property or authorities land.
Combined Reactions from the Muslim Neighborhood
The invoice has elicited blended reactions from inside the Muslim group. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, Nationwide President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, acknowledged the necessity for amendments to deal with corruption and misuse of Waqf properties. Nonetheless, he strongly opposed the inclusion of non-Muslims within the Waqf Boards, arguing that such appointments can be opposite to Islamic legislation (Shariat). “Waqf must be checked out from a totally Islamic perspective… Appointment of non-Muslims is in opposition to the Shariat and the legislation,” he said.
