The Lok Sabha has been aflame with political debates centered on the Waqf Amendment Bill. Amending the Waqf Act of 1995, the bill has drawn controversy regarding its effects on Waqf properties, the Waqf Boards, and the rights afforded to various stakeholders involved. The million-dollar question remains: Were the Waqf Bill and its amendments passed?
Waqf Amendment Bill Passed or Not?
After a detailed debate, the bill was passed with great success in the Lok Sabha. The final version included all 14 important amendments proposed and incorporated by the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after the original bill had been introduced. Not calmed by bad publicity from INDIA bloc, the bill got the requisite majority and went to other legislative processes.
Waqf Amendment Bill Rejected Count
With 44 amendments to the bill, the opposition led by Congress and the other members of the INDIA bloc argued that the government changes could affect the autonomy of Waqf Boards and increase the state’s control over Waqf properties. However, all 44 amendments were defeated by a majority vote of 16-10.
Deeply unhappy with the outcome, the opposition claimed that the bill was passed through the Lok Sabha in a hurry without sufficient delay to address their apprehensions.
Waqf Amendment Bill Voting Details
In the strict parliamentarian format, voting for Waqf Amendment Bill took place with obvious differences for ruling and opposition parties.
- The majority voted for the bill against NDA members who indeed supported amendments.
- The amendments moved by the opposition were all rejected with a score of 16 to 10.
- The bill, hence, now moves to the Rajya Sabha for further discussions and endorsement as an Act.
State-Level Opposition to the Bill
Though the bill has successfully crossed the Lok Sabha hurdle, it finds itself beset by various opposition manifestations at the state level. The West Bengal Assembly has, for example, passed a resolution demanding that the Waqf Amendment Bill be withdrawn as it is likely to hamper the independence of the Waqf Boards. The resolution was cleared through a voice vote while the BJP legislators walked out to protest.
Similarly, the Telangana Waqf Board has expressed its outright disapproval of the amendments which, according to it, would enable government interference in matters of Waqf and would compromise the rights of Waqf property Mutawallis-the custodians.
What’s Next?
Following the continuation of the bill in the Lok Sabha, it has to be followed up by the Rajya Sabha discussion. Upon receiving the approval in that chamber, it will move on to the President of India for final assent and before it becomes a law. The next few days will tell if the opposition will be abler to boggle further changes or bill passes as it stands.
Conclusion
The Waqf Amendment Bill keeps on being a politically contentious matter in India. The government believes that the amendments would help manage and make Waqf properties transparent. On the other hand, the Opposition and Muslim bodies have the fear that soon such amendments will take away the strong autonomy of Waqf. Given such state-wise pushbacks with legal hurdles on the horizon, one will read through the closely-fit journey of the bill in the Rajya Sabha with bated breath from every stakeholder involved.
FAQs
What is the meaning of the waqf bill?
The Waqf Act governs waqf property in India and defines Waqf as an endowment of movable or immovable property for purposes considered pious, religious, or charitable under Muslim law.
What is waqf full form?
Waqf” in Arabic means “detention” or “to stop,” and in the context of Islamic law, it refers to the permanent dedication of property for religious or charitable purposes, where the property itself cannot be sold or transferred, but its income is used for the intended purpose.
What is the Waqf Act in India?
The Waqf Act of 1995 was enacted to govern the administration of Waqf Properties (Religious Endowments) in India.
