Congress Slams Waqf (Amendment) Bill as “Draconian”, “Attack on Constitution”

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 8th August. The introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Thursday sparked strong opposition from several parties, with Congress MP KC Venugopal labeling it as “draconian” and an “attack on the Constitution.”

The bill, introduced by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, proposes significant changes to the Waqf Act, 1995, including renaming it to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. Key provisions include broader representation in Waqf boards and the establishment of separate boards for different Muslim sects.

Venugopal, who had previously submitted a notice to oppose the bill, criticized it as a violation of religious freedoms and an infringement on federal principles. He accused the government of continuing divisive politics despite past electoral setbacks.

Samajwadi Party MP Mohibullah Nadvi expressed concerns that the bill undermines religious freedom by appointing non-Muslims to key positions in the Waqf councils. Similarly, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sudip Bandhopadhyay and DMK MP Kanimozhi denounced the bill as anti-constitutional and detrimental to federalism.

The bill aims to reform Waqf property management and registration through a centralized database and includes measures to enhance transparency and representation. It also seeks to omit Section 40 of the current law, which pertains to the board’s powers over Waqf property determinations.

Opposition members argue that the bill, by altering the governance structure of Waqf boards and involving non-Muslims in their management, infringes upon the rights of the Muslim community and disrupts the established legal framework for religious endowments.