New Delhi: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is set to convene today as part of its ongoing discussions on the proposed legislation. This comes during the Winter Session of Parliament, which began earlier this week but has faced multiple disruptions leading to adjournments in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Members of the JPC are expected to propose amendments to the draft bill during the meeting.

Opposition members of the committee had previously sought an extension of its tenure from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to ensure thorough deliberations on the matter.

Political Disagreement over the Bill
BJP leader V. Muraleedharan recently criticized opposition parties for their stance on the bill, accusing the Congress and Communist parties of adopting a "double game." He alleged that while these parties support local communities affected by Waqf Board actions in Kerala and Cochin, they oppose measures to strengthen property rights when addressing the issue at the national level.

"The Congress and Communist parties are playing a double game on the Waqf amendment bill. In Kerala and Cochin, where the Christian and fisherman communities are fighting for their rights against Waqf Board notices, these parties express support. However, in Delhi, they oppose measures to uphold rightful property authority," said Muraleedharan.

In contrast, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly opposed the bill, calling it a "grave violation of Article 26 of the Constitution." Owaisi, along with other opposition MPs, recently met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to demand an extension for the committee's deliberations.

Owaisi has accused the government of attempting to weaken the Waqf Board under the guise of reforms. He questioned the government’s intent behind the bill and argued that it aims to dismantle rather than strengthen the board.

Extensive Review Process
The Joint Parliamentary Committee has been actively reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, since August 22. It has held discussions with six ministries and around 195 organizations, of which 146 were heard in detail across the country. The committee’s secretariat has also received approximately 95 lakh suggestions from stakeholders regarding the bill.

The Waqf Act of 1995, established to regulate Waqf properties, has been marred by allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and illegal encroachments. The proposed amendments seek to introduce digitization, enforce stricter audits, enhance transparency, and provide robust legal mechanisms to recover unlawfully occupied properties.

The JPC’s ongoing meetings include consultations with government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from various states and Union Territories. These efforts aim to craft reforms that ensure accountability while addressing the concerns of all stakeholders.

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