Samajwadi Party likely to oppose Waqf Act Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha today; Ruckus expected

The BJP-led government is set to present the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha today. This bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, and is designed to address various issues related to the State Waqf Boards' powers, the registration and survey of waqf properties, and the removal of encroachments. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will introduce the bill.

Ruckus expected by the Opposition

The Samajwadi Party has announced its intention to oppose the Waqf Bill in the Parliament. Party sources have confirmed that they will contest the provisions of the bill.

Samajwadi Party to oppose Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 to be introduced in Parliament today: Party sources

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2024

Withdrawal of Previous Legislation

In conjunction with introducing the new amendment, the government plans to withdraw the Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill, 2014. This bill was initially introduced in Rajya Sabha in February 2014 during the Congress-led UPA government's tenure. The withdrawal is scheduled to take place in Rajya Sabha today.

Besides the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Minister Rijiju will also introduce the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024. This bill seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923.

Key Provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. It aims to define "waqf" more precisely as properties dedicated by any Muslim practicing Islam for at least five years and owning such property. The bill also seeks to ensure that Waqf-alal-aulad does not infringe upon women's inheritance rights.

What is Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024?

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is proposed legislation aimed at revising and updating the existing Waqf Act of 1995. The Waqf Act governs the management, administration, and regulation of waqf properties—properties donated or dedicated by Muslims for religious, charitable, or educational purposes.

The bill proposes to transfer the Survey Commissioner's functions to the Collector or a Deputy Collector for waqf property surveys. It also aims to broaden the composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, ensuring representation for Muslim women and non-Muslims.

Establishment of Separate Board of Auqaf

The bill includes provisions for establishing a separate Board of Auqaf for Boharas and Aghakhanis, ensuring representation for Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Agakhani, and other backward classes among Muslim communities. It seeks to streamline the registration of waqfs through a central portal and database and provide a detailed procedure for mutation as per revenue laws, with due notice to all parties before recording any property as waqf property.