Understanding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill: What has changed?

Understanding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill: What has changed?

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has been passed by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 3, and April 4, respectively. 

Though 288 votes in Lok Sabha and 128 votes in Rajya Sabha were in favour of the amendment, 

the opposition parties of India are strongly opposing the bill, citing their concerns over harmony, religious freedom and minority rights.

But, what is Waqf?

Waqf refers to the charitable endowments, involving donating land or property, 

for religious, educational or social welfare purposes. It is an Islamic legal concept which is permanent in nature, 

as once it is exercised, it cannot be revoked. It is considered as the property is now belonged to the God.

Key provisions of this Bill

• This bill aims to maintain transparency and accountability in the functioning of Waqf Boards.

• It also allowed non-Muslims to become members of the Waqf Boards, to maintain diverse representation and to prevent monopoly.

• It has increased the power of Indian government to resolve the disputes relating to the matters of Waqf.

• It abolished the concept of ‘waqf by user’—allowing the land to be a waqf property if it has been prolonged used for the purpose of waqf, which used to create a lot of disputes over the property.

• Changes have been made in the appointment process of members of the Waqf boards, to reduce the political influence.

Why has this sparked controversies?

The passage of bill in the parliament has led to widespread protests and debates across the nation. 

The leader of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Asaduddin Owaisi called the bill “discriminatory, arbitrary and anti-Muslim”, 

accusing the government of dividing the nation. Additionally, Opposition believe that this bill is against the federal structure and undermines the minority rights.

NTA Invites Online Applications for SWAYAM-2025 (January Semester) Exams

Marital Rape: A Legal Paradox and the Need for Reform

New Criminal Laws: A step towards a safer society

Reforming or Imposing? NEP 2020 and Stalin’s Stand Against It

The way forward

As the bill awaits the president’s assent to become a law, the outraged protests and opposition by prominent political leaders may continue to question the bill’s validity and the government will study its impact on the minority groups.

Sara Tyagi

3rd year(6th sem)

Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila Vishwavidyalaya