Waqf Amendment Bill: Passed in Both Houses of Parliament
Background of the Bill
With the aim of regulating waqf properties across the country, resolving administrative challenges, and ensuring proper management, amendments were proposed to the 1995 Waqf Act. As part of this effort, two key bills were introduced:
- The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- The Muslim Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2024
These bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) by Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju. Following extensive debates, the bill was successfully passed in both houses of Parliament.
Debate in the Lok Sabha
When the bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, it faced strong opposition from Congress, DMK, and other INDIA alliance parties. The opposition argued that the bill would negatively impact minority communities.
The discussion on the bill was initially scheduled for 8 hours, but it was extended to 12 hours due to the intensity of the debate. Many members of Parliament expressed their views on the matter. Eventually, at midnight (2:00 AM), the bill was put to vote.
Voting Results:
- In Favor: 288 MPs
- Against: 232 MPs
The voting took place through the division method, ensuring a precise count. With a clear majority, the bill was passed in the Lok Sabha.
Debate in the Rajya Sabha
After its passage in the Lok Sabha, the bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) on Thursday. Just like in the Lok Sabha, the bill faced strong resistance from the opposition parties.
A 12-hour-long debate took place in the Rajya Sabha as well. Following the discussions, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju responded to the concerns raised. The voting process began at 2:30 AM, marking the end of the debate.
Voting Results in Rajya Sabha:
- In Favor: 128 MPs
- Against: 95 MPs
A majority of 119 votes was required for the bill to pass in the Rajya Sabha, as the current total strength of the house is 236. Since the required majority was secured, the bill was successfully passed.
Next Steps
With the bill now passed in both houses of Parliament, it will be sent to the President for approval. Once the President signs the bill, it will officially become a law.
The passage of this bill is expected to:
- Regulate the management of waqf properties more effectively.
- Ensure the protection of minority-owned properties.
- Introduce new legal provisions to prevent irregularities.
While ruling parties welcomed the passage of the bill, opposition parties strongly criticized it, arguing that it would harm the rights of the Muslim community.
Political Responses & Reactions
- BJP: Supported the bill, stating that it aims to ensure transparency and better management of waqf properties.
- Congress, DMK, and Samajwadi Party: Opposed the bill, calling it detrimental to minority rights.
- All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM): Strongly protested against the bill, arguing that waqf properties are religious assets and should remain untouched.
- Social Activists: Called for a review of the bill’s impact on minority communities.
Public Reactions
The bill has sparked widespread public debate.
- Some believe it “will help streamline the management of waqf properties”.
- Others argue that it “curtails the rights of the Muslim community”.
- Discussions on social media have intensified, with mixed reactions from different sections of society.
Conclusion
The Waqf Amendment Bill has now been passed in both houses of Parliament. Once signed by the President, it will become law. In the coming days, the real-world implications of the bill will become clearer, as discussions on its benefits and drawbacks continue across political and social circles.
