Mumbai, 24th September: A high-level delegation of prominent Muslim organizations from Maharashtra met with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) today to express their strong opposition to the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The meeting, held at the Taj Hotel in Santacruz, saw the delegation submit a memorandum urging the rejection of the bill, calling it unconstitutional.
The delegation emphasized that nearly all Muslims across the country oppose this bill. They pointed out that over 5.5 crore Muslims have sent emails in opposition to the bill, following the JPC's directive. Additionally, many have sent letters through postal services. The delegation argued that 33% of India's Muslim population, approximately one-third, has demanded the withdrawal of this bill. Even those in rural areas without access to email or smartphones also oppose the bill.
The delegation further explained that false claims have been circulating that if the Waqf Board claims a piece of land, the government is forced to hand it over. In reality, thousands of acres of Waqf land are illegally occupied, and efforts are ongoing to reclaim these lands. However, if the bill passes, much of this land could be lost permanently.
Under current laws, disputes regarding Waqf properties go through multiple levels of the judicial system, including tribunals, high courts, and the Supreme Court. The proposed amendments, however, would shift these powers to district collectors, who are unlikely to rule against the government. The delegation also objected to the inclusion of non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board and the removal of the requirement for the CEO to be a Muslim.
The delegation warned that the bill appears to be designed to seize Waqf properties, which are private assets donated by Muslims for charitable purposes. Therefore, the delegation demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.
Several prominent figures, including Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Khan Daryabadi, Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi, Dr. Zahir Qazi, Farid Sheikh, and others, were part of the delegation.
JPC members, including Chairman Jagdambika Pal, Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, Asaduddin Owaisi, Nishikant Dubey, Arvind Sawant, and others, were present at the meeting.
The Muslim community hopes that the JPC will convey their concerns to the government and recommend the rejection of this bill. If the bill is forcibly passed, Muslims across the country will be compelled to resist it through all constitutional means.