JPC Adopts BJP-NDA Amendments to Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Opposition Claims Bias

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, approved all 14 amendments proposed by BJP-led NDA members during a clause-by-clause discussion on Monday. In contrast, all 44 amendments proposed by opposition members were rejected by a 10:16 majority vote.

Key Changes Include Addition of Non-Muslim Members to Waqf Panels and Increased Tribunal Strength

One of the notable changes involves increasing the number of non-Muslim members on Waqf panels. Now, up to two panel members can belong to non-Muslim communities. Additionally, the Waqf tribunal will expand from two to three members, with one of them being an Islamic scholar.

#WATCH | After the meeting of the JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, its Chairman BJP MP Jagdambika Pal says, "...Today, there was a JPC meeting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Today there was a clause-wise discussion on it and the entire process was done through a… pic.twitter.com/p9G8chIdxm

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2025

JPC Adopts BJP-NDA Amendments to Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Opposition Claims Bias

Clause 14, proposed by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and adopted by the panel, specifies that only individuals practicing Islam for five years and free from property-related fraud can donate property to the Waqf. Another key amendment allows state government officials to oversee and monitor Waqf properties, a responsibility previously limited to authorized collectors.

The amendments sparked controversy during the meeting. Opposition members, including TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, accused JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal of "subverting the democratic process" by dismissing all opposition suggestions. Banerjee called the exercise "farcical" and claimed that the opposition's voices were ignored. However, Pal refuted the allegations, asserting that the process was democratic and all members had the opportunity to present and vote on amendments.

"Whichever amendments were brought forward—whether by BJP-NDA or the opposition—everyone was given an opportunity to move them. Ultimately, the majority prevailed," Pal stated.

The draft report, which spans over 500 pages, will be circulated to Waqf panel members on January 28, with the final report scheduled for adoption on January 29.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8 by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, aims to reform Waqf property management. Initially set for discussion in the Winter Session, it was referred to the JPC for detailed examination, where it remains a point of contention between the ruling government and opposition parties.