Debate Intensifies Over Controversial Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha

The Waqf Amendment Bill, introduced in Lok Sabha, has sparked debates. Sufi Islamic Board's president supports reforms, suggesting it be moved under Home Ministry to prevent misuse. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi opposes, citing constitutional violations and threats to Muslim properties. The bill seeks changes in Waqf property management.

The introduction of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha has ignited heated debates among political and religious leaders. The National President of the Sufi Islamic Board, Mansoor Khan, emphasized the necessity for reforms in the Waqf system, citing a history of misuse over the past 70 years. Khan's primary suggestion is to transfer the jurisdiction of the Waqf Board from the Minority Ministry to the Home Ministry to ensure stricter oversight and intervention in case of misuse.

Khan stated, 'Our primary suggestion was that it should be taken out of the Minority Ministry and brought under the Home Ministry so that all the encroachments can be removed and if something misuse happens, the Home Ministry can intervene directly, file cases, and prosecute. The Bill states that it would come under Collector. There is no issue, things will be better than before.' The Waqf Amendment Bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, which governs the management of Waqf properties in India, aiming to strengthen the administration and prevent misuse.

However, AIMIM Chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the bill, arguing it threatens judicial independence and violates constitutional rights. Owaisi remarked, 'You want to snatch away the mosques that are being claimed by the RSS, snatch away the dargahs that are being claimed by right-wing Hindutva organisations. By removing the Waqf by User, you are asking them to bring the documents. If the 400-year-old document is not there, what changes will you make?' The bill, introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, also aims to reform the Tribunal structure and improve governance through digital oversight.