Amid Strong Protest, 'Massive Consultancy' Claim For Waqf Amendments (Photo: facebook.com/share/ewzbXgpZ7CvHu4Dr)
Amid strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the Wakf Act introduced by the Union government, it is claimed that “massive consultation had taken place for the decision”. Report quoted sources stating that consultations included Muslim bigwigs, intellectuals, and a few waqf members.
Notably, following reports of around 40 proposed amendments to the Waqf Act of 1950, reportedly curbing the power of the Waqf board, several Muslims bodies, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen have vociferously opposed the move.
Many in the comment section questioned the journalist’s claim by asking proper sources of the “consultancy claim” with Muslim bodies while several others noted that the government had said the same when the controversial farm law was introduced, which was later withdrawn after massive protests.
Sources say – massive consultancy took place when it came to waqf board amendments – Muslim big wigs , intellectuals , few waqf members- suggestions taken in writing
— pallavi ghosh (@_pallavighosh) August 5, 2024
Read Also: Centre To Bring Amendments In Waqf Act, To Curb Board’s Powers On Assets
Asserting that it completely rejects any such move, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board spokesperson, S. Q. R. Ilyas, said it has requested all Muslims and religious organisations to unite against the “malicious act” of the BJP government, adding that the board will move forward with legal and democratic measures to prevent any such law from being passed.
The controversial bill, if it becomes law, will make it mandatory for all Waqf boards to undergo asset verification and make it compulsory to register their properties with district collectors.
The Waqf board spokesperson, further said that the board and its properties are protected by the Constitution of India and the Shariat Application Act, 1937, and therefore the government cannot make any amendment that would change or alter the nature and status of these properties.
According to reports, the cabinet approved around 40 amendments on Friday to the Waqf Act.
Read Also: Explainer: What Is Existing Waqf Act?
Responding to the government’s claims that the amendments was planned to protect the interests of “poor Muslims,” the spokesperson highlighted that all the decisions and actions of the Modi government regarding Muslims have “taken away from them” rather than giving them anything, noting the closure of the Maulana Azad Foundation, restricting minority scholarship, among others.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, speaking against the proposed amendment, said that when Parliament is in session, the central government is acting against parliamentary supremacy and privileges by informing the media and not informing the Parliament, noting that the information regarding the amendments appeared in the media rather than in Parliament. The bill is reported to be tabled next week in parliament.
The Hyderabad MP slammed the amendment, saying, “I say that whatever has been written in the media about this proposed amendment shows that the Modi government wants to take away the autonomy of the Waqf board, which is against the freedom of religion.
