New Delhi, India – The lower house of India’s parliament recently approved a controversial bill targeting the governance of properties donated by Indian Muslims over the centuries. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, passed after a lengthy 12-hour debate, is aimed at bringing transparency to the management of waqf properties.
The bill, which introduces numerous amendments to existing law, has sparked mixed reactions. While the government argues that it will enhance transparency in waqf management, the opposition and Muslim groups fear it may impede on the rights of India’s largest religious minority.
With 288 MPs voting in favor and 232 against in the Lok Sabha, the bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion and approval. If passed, it will then require the assent of President Droupadi Murmu to become law.
Opposition members, led by Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge, have expressed strong resistance to the bill, claiming it aims to undermine constitutional rights and diminish minority communities. Critics argue that the proposed bill grants the government excessive authority over waqf properties, potentially leading to the confiscation or destruction of such assets.
In Islamic tradition, waqf properties, including mosques, madrassas, and shelter homes, are considered charitable endowments that benefit the community. These properties, totaling over 940,000 acres in India and valued at 1.2 trillion rupees, play a significant role in religious and social welfare activities.
Opponents of the bill also raise concerns about the provision to include non-Muslim members on waqf boards, suggesting that this could compromise the autonomy and religious integrity of these institutions. However, supporters of the bill, including Home Minister Amit Shah, maintain that it is necessary to ensure effective governance and prevent any misuse of waqf properties.
As the debate unfolds in parliament and society, the outcome of the bill remains uncertain, reflecting broader tensions between government regulations and religious autonomy in India.