The Parliament’s Joint Committee examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has so far received as many as eight lakh petitions from various institutions and the public. This high volume of feedback underscores the significant interest and concern surrounding the proposed legislation.
The panel held its third meeting on Sep 5 which was attended by officials of Urban Affairs, Road Transport, and Railway ministries. They gave presentations on the implications of the legislation.
The feedback gathered through these petitions will likely play a crucial role in shaping the final version of the bill as the committee reviews public sentiment and institutional perspectives to ensure the legislation meets the needs and addresses the concerns of all stakeholders involved.
The Ministry of Urban Affairs supported the amendments claiming that it will reduce litigation. They argued that the British government had paid compensation while acquiring 341 sq. km of land for the new capital.
But between 1970 and 1977, the Waqf Board made claims on 138 properties in the New Delhi region, which had led to prolonged legal battles. But this was contested by the members.
“The Ministry is unwilling or unable to understand that a random property cannot be notified as Waqf. There must be demonstrable and comprehensive evidence that shows that particular properties are Waqf.” All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Member Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi reportedly said.
“If a property is incorrectly notified as waqf, the wronged party has every opportunity to challenge it. However, the Ministry is attempting to convey that no questions must be asked, if a claim is made that a property is government property, then all claims must cease,” he added.
The members, according to sources also found the Ministry’s submission inadequate and asked various questions.
A Raja, DMK MP pointed out that the Waqf Act was passed in 1913, which finds no mention in the presentation made by the Ministry.
The Opposition members also demanded to know how the government can claim ownership on properties like masjids that have existed since the 17th Century, according to a media report.
There were also counter-questions from BJP MPs on the issue. Medha Vishram Kulkarni, BJP MP asked for a list of all mazars (shrine or tomb) across the country and their origin details.
She specifically wanted a list of mazars that came into being before 7th Century CE, when Islam as per historical accounts came to India.
The Ministry informed that nearly 9 lakh acres of land comes under Waqf ambit. However, this figure was contested by the members, who claimed that the Ministry should give a detailed break-up.
“Out of this so-called 9 lakh acres of land, more than 7 lakh acres or so must be used for burial grounds and another one lakh or so for masjids. The real picture of land use will be clear only in its details,” a member said during the meeting.
The members have protested the day-long meetings called twice a week by Chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. The Opposition members at one point were planning to walk out in protest, but decided to stay back for the deliberations.
“If he continues to call meetings every Thursday and Friday, without allowing us time to study the submissions made by the public and government, then we will have to take it up with the Lok Sabha Speaker,” said a members wishing anonymity.
