Indian parliament’s lower house legislates controversial Muslim endowments bill
India’s lower house of parliament today approved a contentious bill aimed at amending the laws governing Muslim endowments, known as waqf, valued at over $14 billion, Al Jazeera reported. Proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the bill seeks to include non-Muslims on boards that manage these endowments and expand the government’s authority in validating land holdings associated with waqf properties.
The waqf system allows Muslims to donate personal property for religious or charitable purposes. Critics argue that the bill undermines the autonomy of waqf boards, which currently consist solely of Muslims, including legislators and property caretakers. The BJP contends that the changes will combat corruption and mismanagement while promoting diversity. However, many Muslims fear that this move could lead to increased vulnerability of waqf properties, including historic mosques and graveyards, to government confiscation and disputes.
The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill after a heated 12-hour debate, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, aided by support from BJP’s ‘secular’ allies.
During the parliamentary debate, opposition members labeled the bill as unconstitutional and discriminatory. Home Minister Amit Shah defended the legislation, stating that non-Muslim members would only assist in administrative functions, not interfere with religious matters. In contrast, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the bill as a tool for marginalizing Muslims and warned of potential future implications for other communities.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) condemned the bill, calling it a blatant infringement on the constitutional rights of Muslims. They urged citizens to protest if the bill passes in the upper house. The legislation is currently under discussion in the upper house and, if approved, will require the President’s assent to become law.
This bill marks the fourth instance where the BJP government has advanced its agenda despite resistance from Muslim groups and secular parties, following the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the criminalization of triple talaq, and the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand.
As tensions rise, the implications of this legislation could significantly affect the management of waqf properties and the rights of the Muslim community in India.
