The Waqf (Amendment) Bill
The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasizing that no non-Muslim will be part of the waqf or manage the religious institution.
Key Points from the Discussion
- Separation of Administration and Religious Activities:
- The Waqf Act and board came into effect in 1995.
- No provision exists for appointing a non-Muslim to manage the religious institution.
- The bill is not intended to interfere with Muslim religious practices or properties.
- Accusations against the Opposition:
- Shah accused the Opposition of spreading rumors to mislead people and intimidate minorities.
- Non-Muslim members, if included, will only oversee the administrative aspects of waqf properties.
- Historical Context and Need for the Amendment:
- Amendments in 2013 are cited as politically motivated.
- Properties in Lutyens’ Delhi were handed over to the Delhi Waqf Board under previous amendments.
- The bill aims to prevent land grabbing under the guise of waqf.
- Specific Examples of Misuse:
- Karnataka High Court intervened in the waqf grabbing of 602 sq km.
- Land in Tamil Nadu given to waqf for nominal rent, including a 400-year-old temple property.
- Miscellaneous properties from different religions were misappropriated as waqf property.
- Provisions of the Amended Bill:
- Prevents community land from being donated as waqf property; only private land can be donated.
- Aims to bring transparency similar to ASI and other property regulations.
Opposition's Viewpoint
- Parties like Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress, and others opposed the bill.
- Trinamool Congress MP emphasized the sacred nature of "waqf" in Islamic tradition.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP expressed skepticism, linking the bill to political maneuvering ahead of elections.
