New Delhi [India], August 23 (ANI): The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), along with major Muslim organizations, has called for the immediate withdrawal of the newly proposed Waqf Amendment Bill.
The groups have denounced the bill as a “conspiracy” aimed at undermining and seizing Waqf properties.
In a joint statement, the AIMPLB and other prominent Muslim organizations expressed their deep concerns over the bill, asserting that it threatens the protection and transparency of Waqf properties under the guise of reform.
The proposed legislation includes several controversial provisions, such as altering the definition of Waqf, modifying the role of mutawallis (trustees), and changing the structure of the Waqf Boards. Notably, the bill proposes increasing the number of non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, which previously had only one non-Muslim member allowed. Under the new proposal, non-Muslims could make up to 13 members of the Central Waqf Council and seven members of Waqf Boards, with at least two members being non-Muslim.
Critics argue that these changes violate Article 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right of minorities to establish and administer their own religious and cultural institutions.
The bill also suggests that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Waqf Boards need not be Muslim, a shift from current requirements. Furthermore, it proposes that disputes over Waqf properties be resolved by collectors rather than Waqf Tribunals, and removes the requirement that disputes be addressed within one year.
The AIMPLB highlighted that the bill would centralize control and diminish the autonomy of Waqf Boards, making them more susceptible to government interference. They also criticized the bill for stripping away protections for Waqf properties used for religious purposes, such as mosques and cemeteries, which could lead to their loss or illegal occupation.
In response to these changes, the organizations are urging the government to reconsider and withdraw the amendment, citing concerns over the potential erosion of Waqf rights and the protection of religious endowments. (ANI)
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