Waqf committee adopts recommendations, revised Bill

The Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill adopted its draft report and the amended version of the proposed law with a majority vote on Wednesday, committee chairperson Jagdambika Pal said.

Pal stated that 16 members voted in favour, while 11 opposed it. Opposition members alleged that none of its amendments had been incorporated in the draft report. They are expected to submit their dissent notes in the final report later in the day.

Earlier, the Joint Parliamentary panel had circulated a 655-page report, inclusive of all the suggestions made by the members.

Amid fears that the existing Waqf properties would be subject to scrutiny after the amended law comes into force, the committee has recommended that no cases will be reopened against such properties retrospectively, provided the asset is not in dispute or belongs to the government.

The committee has accepted 14 amendments, which have been suggested by members of the BJP or its allies.

The Bill proposes numerous changes to the way Waqf boards are administered, including nominating non-Muslim and at least two women members.

The Bill also includes a provision stating that the central Waqf Council must include a Union minister and three MPs, two former judges, four people of 'national repute', and senior government officials, none of whom need be from the Islamic faith.

Furthermore, under the new rules, the Waqf Council cannot claim land.

Opposition leaders criticised the committee, alleging that a very short time had been allowed for studying the draft report.