'Waqf Bill amendment reeks of bias': opposition criticizes approval of 14 changes

The Union Cabinet has approved 14 out of 23 amendments proposed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, according to the sources. The bill, which initially proposed 44 changes to laws governing Waqf boards at the central and state levels, has been at the center of a heated debate over allegations of bias.

The revised bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament when it reconvenes on March 10. The JPC’s report, submitted on Feb 13, sparked further controversy when opposition members claimed that sections of their dissent notes were missing and the “Bill amendment reeks of bias”.

The government denied any wrongdoing, asserting that JPC Chairperson Jagadambika Pal of the BJP had the discretion to remove sections deemed to cast "aspersions" on the committee.

Following opposition protests and a meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, it was decided that the dissent notes would be reinstated in full.

Contentious changes and political divide

The opposition has accused the BJP-led committee of rushing the bill without proper consultation. Allegations of bias intensified after all 44 opposition-proposed amendments were rejected, while 23 suggestions from the BJP and its allies were accepted — of which 14 were ultimately cleared by the Cabinet.

Key changes include:

• Non-Muslim Representation: Waqf boards must include at least two non-Muslim members, with additional non-Muslim representation possible through nominated ex-officio members.
• Property Determination: A state-nominated officer, instead of the District Collector, will decide whether a property qualifies as Waqf.
• Non-Retroactive Application: The law will not apply retroactively to properties already registered, raising concerns as an estimated 90% of Waqf properties remain unregistered.

The bill also proposes nominating non-Muslim and at least two women members to every Waqf Board, as well as adding a Union Minister, three MPs, and four individuals of "national repute" to the Central Waqf Council — measures that have drawn strong criticism from opposition leaders.

Government's justification vs. Opposition’s objections

The government claims the amendments aim to empower Muslim women and children who have been disadvantaged under existing laws. However, critics, including Congress leader KC Venugopal and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, argue that the bill undermines religious freedoms protected under the Constitution. They specifically point to violations of Article 15 (right to practice religion) and Article 30 (minority communities’ rights over their institutions).

With political tensions high, the amended Waqf Bill is set to be a major flashpoint when Parliament resumes next month.