MUMBAI: Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh from Bhiwandi East has urged the Maharashtra State Waqf Board to pass a resolution rejecting the Waqf Amendment Bill, which he claims targets the Muslim community and undermines the integrity of the Waqf Institution. The bill, introduced by the Union government, has been met with resistance from various sections of the Muslim community.
A delegation of Muslim leaders, led by MLA Shaikh, met with Maharashtra State Waqf Board Chairman Sameer Kazi on Monday to discuss the matter. Shaikh emphasized the importance of following the example set by the Telangana Waqf Board, which has already passed a resolution opposing the bill.
Shaikh argued that the Waqf Amendment Bill directly contravenes several fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India, specifically Articles 14, 19, 21, 25, and 300(a). He stated, "The bill interferes with the freedom of religion and the right to property. It legalises usurpation of Waqf land, allows the inclusion of two non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board, and removes the powers of the Waqf Tribunal."
Highlighting the actions of the Telangana Waqf Board, Shaikh mentioned that its members plan to present their objections to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). He urged the Maharashtra State Waqf Board to take a similar stance and pass a resolution in line with Telangana's efforts. "Members of the Telangana Waqf Board are set to meet with the JPC chairman on this issue. The Maharashtra State Waqf Board should also exercise its authority and take concrete steps to protect the donated properties for Islam," Shaikh added.
Maharashtra's Waqf Board oversees 27,000 properties spanning approximately one lakh acres of land. According to Shaikh, the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill would strip the Waqf Boards of their control over these properties, which have been donated for religious purposes. He emphasized the need for the Maharashtra Waqf Board to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard these assets.
The Waqf Amendment Bill is currently under deliberation by the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The Maharashtra State Waqf Board, led by Sameer Kazi, consists of seven members: Adv Syed Iftakar Ali Hashmi, Adv. Ahmed Khan Usman Khan Pathan, Farooq Anwar Shah, Maulana Hafeez Saeed Athar Ali, Sheikh Hasnain Shakir, Dr. Fauzia Khan, and Dr. Muddasar Nisar Lambe.
With mounting opposition from various quarters, the future of the Waqf Amendment Bill remains uncertain, as community leaders and lawmakers continue to debate its implications for religious freedom and property rights in India.
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