Opposition Calls Waqf Bill ‘Draconian’ and ‘Attack on Constitution’

Delhi/Hyderabad, Aug 8 (Maxim News): The opposition vehemently protested the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, with Congress MP KC Venugopal labeling it as “draconian” and an “attack on the Constitution.”

Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp

Venugopal’s Strong Opposition

Shortly after Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju sought to introduce the Bill, Venugopal, who had submitted a notice to oppose its introduction, accused the government of violating religious freedom and attacking the federal system.

“This is a draconian law and a fundamental attack on the Constitution,” Venugopal asserted. He argued that the BJP continues its divisive politics despite being taught a lesson by the people, particularly with the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra in mind.

Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp

Other Voices of Protest Over Waqf Bill

Samajwadi Party MP Mohibullah Nadvi echoed Venugopal’s sentiments, stating the bill infringes on religious freedom. He argued that appointing non-Muslims to the Central Waqf Council and similar bodies violates the rights of Muslims.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sudip Bandhopadhyay described the bill as divisive, anti-constitutional, and anti-federalist. “This is against the Constitution, a religious minority, and federalism. It shuns justice in every possible way,” added DMK MP Kanimozhi, also opposing the Bill’s introduction.

Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp

Provisions and Implications of the Waqf Bill

The Bill proposes significant changes to the Waqf Act of 1995. According to its statement of objects and reasons, the Bill seeks to omit Section 40, which relates to the Board’s powers to determine if a property is Wakf property. It aims to create a broad-based composition of the Central Waqf Council and state Wakf boards, ensuring the representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims. Additionally, the Bill proposes establishing a separate board of Auqaf for the Boharas and Aghakhanis.

The draft law aims to clearly define ‘Waqf‘ as property dedicated by any person practicing Islam for at least five years and having ownership of such property. One of its objectives is to streamline the registration of Waqf through a central portal and database, establishing a detailed procedure for mutation as per revenue laws with due notice to all concerned before recording any property as Wakf property.

Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp

Historical Context

The Waqf Act of 1995 was established to regulate ‘Auqaf’ (assets donated and notified as Wakf) by a Wakif (a person who dedicates a property for any purpose recognized by Muslim law as religious or charitable). The law was last amended in 2013. (Maxim News)

---

More Stories :

Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe.  Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News update