New Delhi: The Narendra Modi-led NDA government is set to amend the Waqf Act, restricting the powers of the Waqf Board. The new bill could be tabled in Parliament any day. With this amendment, appeals can now be made in the high court against Waqf Board decisions, which were not possible earlier.
Highly placed sources claimed that this bill will be tabled in the ongoing sessions of Parliament. Government sources dismissed rumours that the new law aims to seize Muslim land, stating that the amendments are not intended for that purpose.
The first Waqf law was introduced in 1954, followed by amendments in 1995 and 2013.
“Common Muslims were asking why the government wasn’t amending the Waqf Board law. Only powerful people are involved in Waqf, not ordinary Muslims. There are questions about revenue, and no one is allowed to measure how much revenue is generated. There’s corruption and hooliganism. Neither the state government, central government, nor the courts can investigate Waqf properties,” the sources said.
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Sources also stated that many Muslim judges had contacted the government, urging action as they were unable to deliver justice due to the judiciary’s lack of power over Waqf properties.
“There should be a committee to investigate revenue and ensure transparency in Waqf. Waqf properties should only benefit Muslims, so how can the government take over these properties? In 2013, an amendment allowed Waqf members to claim ownership of properties,” the sources added.
According to information, even non-practising Muslims or those who converted could previously claim ownership of any land, but now only practising Muslims can run Waqf or claim ownership.
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“Women will also be included in Waqf and counselling, which wasn’t the case earlier. Now, appeals can be made in the high court against Waqf Board decisions, which wasn’t possible earlier,” the sources said.
Critics say it’s like a mafia has captured the Waqf Board. Ordinary Muslims are expressing concerns about this. The new bill will address various issues, including provisions for divorced women to see their children, which is not currently addressed. These issues will be discussed in the next session, as the current session focuses on the financial budget.