The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday expressed its intention to issue an interim order granting a stay on some parts of the amended Waqf law, but put it on hold at the last minute after the Central government and the states requested more time to furnish their arguments on the three points raised by the court.&nbsp; The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and comprising Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice KV Vishwanathan, was hearing a bunch of over 70 petitions challenging the Waqf Act. The bench earlier considered referring the pleas to one high court but later heard a battery of senior advocates, including Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Singhvi, Rajeev Dhavan and solicitor general Tushar Mehta, who represented the Centre. &ldquo;Normally we don&rsquo;t pass such interim orders, but this is an exception,&rdquo; said Justice Khanna. At this point, the centre and the states objected against an interim order and sought more time. The bench will hear the matter again at 2 pm on Thursday (April 17). CJI Khanna also raised concerns over the way some properties have been classified as Waqf. &ldquo;We have been told the Delhi high court building is on Waqf land, Oberoi Hotel is on Waqf land&hellip; We are not saying all Waqf-by-user properties are wrongly registered, but there are some genuine areas of concern too,&rdquo; he observed.
During the hearing, the judges raised three points, indicating their intention to pass an interim order and putting some provisions of the amended law on hold.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengal-violence-families-recall-murshidabad-horror-say-we-have-become-refugees-in-our-own-land-8965406">Bengal violence: Families recall Murshidabad horror, say, &lsquo;We have become refugees in our own land&rsquo;</a>
The court&rsquo;s three concerns were: the validity of &lsquo;Waqf by user&rsquo; properties declared earlier by court decrees which now may become void; having non-Muslims as majority members in Waqf Council; and pending enquiry by the collector on disputed Waqf property, the declaration that the same will not be treated as Waqf property.
&ldquo;The properties declared by courts as waqfs should not be de-notified as waqfs, whether they are by waqf-by-user or waqf by deed, while the court is hearing the challenge to the Waqf Amendment Act 2025,&rdquo; the bench said. The top court went on, &ldquo;All Members of the Waqf boards and central Waqf Council must be Muslims, except the ex-officio members.&rdquo;
The apex court said when a public trust was declared to be a waqf 100 or 200 years ago, it couldn&rsquo;t suddenly be taken over by the waqf board and declared otherwise. &ldquo;You cannot rewrite the past,&rdquo; the bench said.
<h2>Waqf by user&nbsp;</h2>
Sibal mentioned &lsquo;Waqf by user&rsquo;&mdash;a provision under which a property is treated as Waqf based on its long-term use for religious or charitable purposes, even without formal documentation. The new law adds an exemption: this won&rsquo;t apply to properties that are in dispute or are government land.
Sibal said that &lsquo;Waqf by user&rsquo; is an integral part of Islam. &ldquo;The problem is, if a waqf was created 3,000 years ago, they will ask for the deed,&rdquo; he said. The CJI asked SG Mehta to focus on the &lsquo;Waqf by user&rsquo; provisions in the new law. &ldquo;Are you saying that if a &lsquo;Waqf by user&rsquo; was established by a (court) judgment or otherwise, today it stands void?&rdquo;&nbsp; He mentioned that many mosques part of Waqf were built in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries and it is impossible to present documents for them.
The court then asked, &ldquo;How will you register such Waqfs by user? What documents will they have? It will lead to undoing something. Yes, there is some misuse. But there are genuine ones also. I have gone through privy council judgments also. Waqf by user is recognised. If you undo it then it will be a problem. Legislature cannot declare a judgment, order or decree as void,&rdquo; the bench said.
<h2>&lsquo;Will Muslims be on Hindu Boards? Say it openly&rsquo;: SC to Centre</h2>
The court then flagged the provision to include non-Muslims on the Central Waqf Council and asked the government if it would allow Muslims to be part of Hindu endowment boards.
The CJI asked: &ldquo;Mr Mehta, are you saying you will allow Muslims to be part of Hindu endowment boards? Say it openly&rdquo;.
The Chief Justice, however, noted that the positive points in the law must be highlighted.&nbsp;
The Centre recently notified the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which got the assent of President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 after its passage in both houses of Parliament. Among those who challenged the law are leaders of the opposition parties including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, DMK, CPI and BJP ally Janata Dal United. Religious organisations and NGOs like Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board have also filed their objections.&nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-develops-star-wars-style-laser-weapon-to-destroy-drones-missiles-joins-elite-list-watch-8958583">India develops &lsquo;Star Wars&rsquo;-style laser weapon to destroy drones, missiles, joins elite list | WATCH</a>
The Centre, on April 8, filed a caveat in the Supreme Court and sought a hearing before any order was passed in the matter. A caveat is filed by a party to ensure that no orders are passed without hearing it.
After the conclusion of hearing, CJI Khanna expressed concern over the violence that has broken out in West Bengal against the amendments to Waqf Act. &ldquo;One thing is very disturbing is the violence that is taking place. If the matter is pending here it should not happen,&rdquo; the CJI said.

India News: During the hearing, the Supreme Court judges raised three points, indicating their intention to pass an interim order and putting some provisions of the amended law on hold.

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday expressed its intention to issue an interim order granting a stay on some parts of the amended Waqf law, but put it on hold at the last minute after the Central government and the states requested more time to furnish their arguments on the three points raised by the court. The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and comprising Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice KV Vishwanathan, was hearing a bunch of over 70 petitions challenging the Waqf Act. The bench earlier considered referring the pleas to one high court but later heard a battery of senior advocates, including Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Singhvi, Rajeev Dhavan and solicitor general Tushar Mehta, who represented the Centre. “Normally we don’t pass such interim orders, but this is an exception,” said Justice Khanna. At this point, the centre and the states objected against an interim order and sought more time. The bench will hear the matter again at 2 pm on Thursday (April 17). CJI Khanna also raised concerns over the way some properties have been classified as Waqf. “We have been told the Delhi high court building is on Waqf land, Oberoi Hotel is on Waqf land… We are not saying all Waqf-by-user properties are wrongly registered, but there are some genuine areas of concern too,” he observed. During the hearing, the judges raised three points, indicating their intention to pass an interim order and putting some provisions of the amended law on hold. Also read | Bengal violence: Families recall Murshidabad horror, say, ‘We have become refugees in our own land’ The court’s three concerns were: the validity of ‘Waqf by user’ properties declared earlier by court decrees which now may become void; having non-Muslims as majority members in Waqf Council; and pending enquiry by the collector on disputed Waqf property, the declaration that the same will not be treated as Waqf property. “The properties declared by courts as waqfs should not be de-notified as waqfs, whether they are by waqf-by-user or waqf by deed, while the court is hearing the challenge to the Waqf Amendment Act 2025,” the bench said. The top court went on, “All Members of the Waqf boards and central Waqf Council must be Muslims, except the ex-officio members.” The apex court said when a public trust was declared to be a waqf 100 or 200 years ago, it couldn’t suddenly be taken over by the waqf board and declared otherwise. “You cannot rewrite the past,” the bench said. Waqf by user Sibal mentioned ‘Waqf by user’—a provision under which a property is treated as Waqf based on its long-term use for religious or charitable purposes, even without formal documentation. The new law adds an exemption: this won’t apply to properties that are in dispute or are government land. Sibal said that ‘Waqf by user’ is an integral part of Islam. “The problem is, if a waqf was created 3,000 years ago, they will ask for the deed,” he said. The CJI asked SG Mehta to focus on the ‘Waqf by user’ provisions in the new law. “Are you saying that if a ‘Waqf by user’ was established by a (court) judgment or otherwise, today it stands void?” He mentioned that many mosques part of Waqf were built in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries and it is impossible to present documents for them. The court then asked, “How will you register such Waqfs by user? What documents will they have? It will lead to undoing something. Yes, there is some misuse. But there are genuine ones also. I have gone through privy council judgments also. Waqf by user is recognised. If you undo it then it will be a problem. Legislature cannot declare a judgment, order or decree as void,” the bench said. ‘Will Muslims be on Hindu Boards? Say it openly’: SC to Centre The court then flagged the provision to include non-Muslims on the Central Waqf Council and asked the government if it would allow Muslims to be part of Hindu endowment boards. The CJI asked: “Mr Mehta, are you saying you will allow Muslims to be part of Hindu endowment boards? Say it openly”. The Chief Justice, however, noted that the positive points in the law must be highlighted. The Centre recently notified the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which got the assent of President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 after its passage in both houses of Parliament. Among those who challenged the law are leaders of the opposition parties including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, DMK, CPI and BJP ally Janata Dal United. Religious organisations and NGOs like Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board have also filed their objections. Also Read | India develops ‘Star Wars’-style laser weapon to destroy drones, missiles, joins elite list | WATCH The Centre, on April 8, filed a caveat in the Supreme Court and sought a hearing before any order was passed in the matter. A caveat is filed by a party to ensure that no orders are passed without hearing it. After the conclusion of hearing, CJI Khanna expressed concern over the violence that has broken out in West Bengal against the amendments to Waqf Act. “One thing is very disturbing is the violence that is taking place. If the matter is pending here it should not happen,” the CJI said.

SC withholds order for interim stay on parts of Waqf Act after Centre, states seek time

The stage is finally set for the revised Waqf (Amendment) Bill to be tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, April 2. Union Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday, &ldquo;On 2nd April, immediately after the Question Hour, I want to introduce the amendment bill for consideration and passing, after that, we have agreed for 8 hours of discussion.&rdquo; &ldquo;Every political party has the right to express its opinion, and the country wants to hear which political party has what stand on the amendment bill. And this will be recorded for thousands of years, this will be on record, who opposed and who supported the amendment bill,&rdquo; he added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8ykipsj-7h5dvz15-haw9u1hq">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: On the Waqf Amendment Bill, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju says, "...If the House feels that the time for discussion should be extended, then the time can be extended, but if they (opposition) do not want to participate in the discussion by making&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/ouBiSVkZm6">pic.twitter.com/ouBiSVkZm6</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1906985345700557087?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
 The bill must be passed in both Houses of Parliament to become law. The Waqf Act of 1995 that was enacted to regulate Waqf properties has for long drawn criticism due to corruption, encroachments, and mismanagement.
<h2>Waqf and the Waqf Act</h2>
The term waqf refers to the permanent dedication of any movable or immovable property for religious or charitable purposes as recognised by Muslim law. Once declared waqf, the ownership of property is considered transferred to Allah and becomes irrevocable. A mutawalli is appointed to manage the property, and any other use or sale is prohibited. The principle&mdash;&ldquo;Once&ldquo; a waqf, always a waqf&rdquo;&mdash;has&rdquo; created several complex legal scenarios and disputes across India. There is a Central Waqf Board and several state boards. It is to be noted that there is no waqf system in Islamic countries like Turkey, Libya, Jordan, Tunisia, and Egypt, but the waqf network in India is extensive and legally protected. Over the years, there have been many concerns like misuse of power by mutawallis, poor maintenance of property accounts, weak coordination with revenue departments, encroachments, and sweeping authority granted to boards to claim properties. The Waqf Act was first passed by Parliament in 1954. It was later repealed, and a new Waqf Act was passed in 1995, which gave more powers to the Waqf Boards. In 2013, the Act was further amended to grant the Waqf Board extensive powers to designate property as &lsquo;Waqf Property&rsquo;.
<h2>The Waqf Amendment Bill</h2>
On August 8, 2024, the government introduced two bills&mdash;the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024&mdash;aimed at streamlining the functioning of Waqf Boards and improving the management of waqf properties. The amendment seeks to fix gaps in the Waqf Act, 1995, by renaming the Act, updating the definition of waqf, improving registration processes, and integrating technology for better recordkeeping. In September 2024, the Ministry of Minority Affairs shared that 40,951 cases were currently pending in Waqf Tribunals, including 9,942 filed by members of the Muslim community against institutions managing waqf. Moreover, besides the delays in case disposal, there was no judicial oversight over tribunal decisions. The bill was referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC), headed by Jagdambika Pal, which submitted its 655-page report to both Houses of Parliament. Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/better-to-split-up-bangladesh-than-northeast-leaders-response-to-yunus-remark-8913690">&lsquo;Better to split up Bangladesh than&hellip;&rsquo;: Northeast leader&rsquo;s response to Yunus remark</a> The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, also called the &lsquo;Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill&rsquo;, aims to address key challenges by introducing reforms like digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.
<h2>Waqf Boards are third largest landowners in India</h2>
Waqf boards currently control 8.7 lakh properties spread across 9.4 lakh acres, with an estimated value of ₹1.2 lakh crore. The Boards are also the country&rsquo;s biggest landowners after the Armed Forces and Indian Railways. Of the 8.7 lakh waqf assets, 356,051 are registered as waqf estates, 872,328 are immovable properties, and 16,713 are movable properties. Despite this, the Boards generate negligible income.
<h2>&lsquo;Waqf properties could yield ₹12,000 crore annually&rsquo;: Sachar panel</h2>
The Sachar Committee, which submitted its report in 2006, observed that if the waqf properties are put to efficient and marketable use, they can generate at least a minimum revenue of 10% which is about ₹12,000 crores per annum. It also recommended various measures to improve the management of waqf, like regulating the functioning of mutawallis, inclusion of non-Muslim technical expertise in management, and of two women members in Central Waqf Board and each State Waqf Board, etc.
<h2>Major disputes, claims by Waqf Boards</h2>
The systemic issues and flaws in waqf property governance have resulted in several cases across India. In one such case, one Rajagopal, a farmer in Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Thiruchenthurai village, was unable to sell his agricultural land to repay a loan after the Waqf Board laid claim to the entire village. The sale required a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the board, leading to both financial and emotional distress. Records indicate the village was donated as waqf by Nawab Anwardeen Khan in 1956. The situation worsened when the board requested the registration department to assign a &lsquo;zero value&rsquo; to all waqf properties. The Ministry of Minority Affairs intervened and stayed the request to allow property transactions.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-rahul-gandhi-opposing-offshore-drilling-economic-benefits-vs-politics-8910893" rel="dofollow">Why is Rahul Gandhi opposing offshore mining? Economic benefits vs politics</a> In another controversy in Bengaluru, the Waqf Board claimed the Eidgah ground as waqf property, but government records showed there had been no official title transfer to any Muslim organisation. In Surat, the Waqf Board staked claim to the Municipal Corporation building, arguing it had historically functioned as a sarai for pilgrims in the Mughal era. The property later came under British control and was eventually transferred to the Indian government after independence, but the Gujarat Waqf Board reiterated its legal position with the statement: &ldquo;Once a Waqf, always a Waqf.&rdquo; In an even more unusual claim in Devbhoomi Dwarka, the Waqf Board attempted to assert ownership over two islands in Bet Dwarka. The Gujarat High Court was perplexed by the petition and asked the Board to revise it. The judge questioned how the Waqf could claim &lsquo;land in Krishnanagri&rsquo;.
<h2>What is the opposition&rsquo;s stand?</h2>
The opposition has strongly criticised the bill, calling it &lsquo;unconstitutional&rsquo; and accusing BJP of trying to &lsquo;snatch&rsquo; the rights of Muslims. Congress attacked the BJP-led Union government, alleging it was taking the country towards civil war.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-making-a-u-turn-ex-maoist-guerrilla-leads-fight-for-return-of-monarchy-hindu-nation-8911280" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nepal making a U-turn? Ex-Maoist guerrilla leads fight for return of monarchy, Hindu nation</a>
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi says the bill is unconstitutional and a violation of Articles 14, 25, 26 and 29 of the Indian Constitution. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has opposed the bill and accused the BJP of &lsquo;interfering&rsquo; in everything to gain control. Meanwhile, Rijiju asserts that the bill is designed to give rights to those who previously lacked them.
&nbsp;

India News: It is to be noted that there is no waqf system in Islamic countries like Turkey, Libya, Jordan, Tunisia, and Egypt, but the waqf network in India is extensive and legally protected.

The stage is finally set for the revised Waqf (Amendment) Bill to be tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, April 2. Union Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday, “On 2nd April, immediately after the Question Hour, I want to introduce the amendment bill for consideration and passing, after that, we have agreed for 8 hours of discussion.” “Every political party has the right to express its opinion, and the country wants to hear which political party has what stand on the amendment bill. And this will be recorded for thousands of years, this will be on record, who opposed and who supported the amendment bill,” he added. #WATCH | Delhi: On the Waqf Amendment Bill, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju says, "...If the House feels that the time for discussion should be extended, then the time can be extended, but if they (opposition) do not want to participate in the discussion by making… pic.twitter.com/ouBiSVkZm6 — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2025 The bill must be passed in both Houses of Parliament to become law. The Waqf Act of 1995 that was enacted to regulate Waqf properties has for long drawn criticism due to corruption, encroachments, and mismanagement. Waqf and the Waqf Act The term waqf refers to the permanent dedication of any movable or immovable property for religious or charitable purposes as recognised by Muslim law. Once declared waqf, the ownership of property is considered transferred to Allah and becomes irrevocable. A mutawalli is appointed to manage the property, and any other use or sale is prohibited. The principle—“Once“ a waqf, always a waqf”—has” created several complex legal scenarios and disputes across India. There is a Central Waqf Board and several state boards. It is to be noted that there is no waqf system in Islamic countries like Turkey, Libya, Jordan, Tunisia, and Egypt, but the waqf network in India is extensive and legally protected. Over the years, there have been many concerns like misuse of power by mutawallis, poor maintenance of property accounts, weak coordination with revenue departments, encroachments, and sweeping authority granted to boards to claim properties. The Waqf Act was first passed by Parliament in 1954. It was later repealed, and a new Waqf Act was passed in 1995, which gave more powers to the Waqf Boards. In 2013, the Act was further amended to grant the Waqf Board extensive powers to designate property as ‘Waqf Property’. The Waqf Amendment Bill On August 8, 2024, the government introduced two bills—the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024—aimed at streamlining the functioning of Waqf Boards and improving the management of waqf properties. The amendment seeks to fix gaps in the Waqf Act, 1995, by renaming the Act, updating the definition of waqf, improving registration processes, and integrating technology for better recordkeeping. In September 2024, the Ministry of Minority Affairs shared that 40,951 cases were currently pending in Waqf Tribunals, including 9,942 filed by members of the Muslim community against institutions managing waqf. Moreover, besides the delays in case disposal, there was no judicial oversight over tribunal decisions. The bill was referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC), headed by Jagdambika Pal, which submitted its 655-page report to both Houses of Parliament. Also read | ‘Better to split up Bangladesh than…’: Northeast leader’s response to Yunus remark The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, also called the ‘Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill’, aims to address key challenges by introducing reforms like digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. Waqf Boards are third largest landowners in India Waqf boards currently control 8.7 lakh properties spread across 9.4 lakh acres, with an estimated value of ₹1.2 lakh crore. The Boards are also the country’s biggest landowners after the Armed Forces and Indian Railways. Of the 8.7 lakh waqf assets, 356,051 are registered as waqf estates, 872,328 are immovable properties, and 16,713 are movable properties. Despite this, the Boards generate negligible income. ‘Waqf properties could yield ₹12,000 crore annually’: Sachar panel The Sachar Committee, which submitted its report in 2006, observed that if the waqf properties are put to efficient and marketable use, they can generate at least a minimum revenue of 10% which is about ₹12,000 crores per annum. It also recommended various measures to improve the management of waqf, like regulating the functioning of mutawallis, inclusion of non-Muslim technical expertise in management, and of two women members in Central Waqf Board and each State Waqf Board, etc. Major disputes, claims by Waqf Boards The systemic issues and flaws in waqf property governance have resulted in several cases across India. In one such case, one Rajagopal, a farmer in Tamil Nadu’s Thiruchenthurai village, was unable to sell his agricultural land to repay a loan after the Waqf Board laid claim to the entire village. The sale required a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the board, leading to both financial and emotional distress. Records indicate the village was donated as waqf by Nawab Anwardeen Khan in 1956. The situation worsened when the board requested the registration department to assign a ‘zero value’ to all waqf properties. The Ministry of Minority Affairs intervened and stayed the request to allow property transactions. Also Read | Why is Rahul Gandhi opposing offshore mining? Economic benefits vs politics In another controversy in Bengaluru, the Waqf Board claimed the Eidgah ground as waqf property, but government records showed there had been no official title transfer to any Muslim organisation. In Surat, the Waqf Board staked claim to the Municipal Corporation building, arguing it had historically functioned as a sarai for pilgrims in the Mughal era. The property later came under British control and was eventually transferred to the Indian government after independence, but the Gujarat Waqf Board reiterated its legal position with the statement: “Once a Waqf, always a Waqf.” In an even more unusual claim in Devbhoomi Dwarka, the Waqf Board attempted to assert ownership over two islands in Bet Dwarka. The Gujarat High Court was perplexed by the petition and asked the Board to revise it. The judge questioned how the Waqf could claim ‘land in Krishnanagri’. What is the opposition’s stand? The opposition has strongly criticised the bill, calling it ‘unconstitutional’ and accusing BJP of trying to ‘snatch’ the rights of Muslims. Congress attacked the BJP-led Union government, alleging it was taking the country towards civil war. Also Read | Nepal making a U-turn? Ex-Maoist guerrilla leads fight for return of monarchy, Hindu nation AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi says the bill is unconstitutional and a violation of Articles 14, 25, 26 and 29 of the Indian Constitution. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has opposed the bill and accused the BJP of ‘interfering’ in everything to gain control. Meanwhile, Rijiju asserts that the bill is designed to give rights to those who previously lacked them.

Waqf Bill to be tabled in Lok Sabha April 2. Why is opposition against it, what is the row?

Muslims in various cities across India wore black armbands while offering namaz on the occasion of &lsquo;Alvida Jumma&rsquo;, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan. Several people were seen wearing black armbands while offering prayers in Lucknow, Hyderabad, and other cities. The donning of black armbands was in adherence to the call for a silent protest by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). The AIMPLB had urged Muslims across the nation to wear black armbands during the namaz on &lsquo;Alvida Jumma&rsquo;, also referred to as &lsquo;Alvida namaz&rsquo;, as a peaceful protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.&nbsp; In a post on X, AIMPLB said, &ldquo;It is the responsibility of every Muslim in the country to strongly oppose this bill (Waqf Amendment Bill 2025). The All India Muslim Personal Law Board appeals to all Muslims to wear a black armband while coming to the mosque on Jumu&rsquo;atul Wida as a silent and peaceful expression of grief and protest.&rdquo;&nbsp; The AIMPLB further said that the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 was &ldquo;a sinister conspiracy aimed at depriving Muslims of their mosques, eidgahs, madrasas, dargahs, khanqahs, graveyards, and charitable institutions.&rdquo;&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8sqrgeq-3k993a89-drykmyvk">
An Important Appeal to the Muslims of India Wear a Black Armband on Jumu&rsquo;atul Wida to Protest against Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAgainstWaqfBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAgainstWaqfBill</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RejectWaqfBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RejectWaqfBill</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SayNoToWaqfBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SayNoToWaqfBill</a> <a href="https://t.co/auwKL9quxi">pic.twitter.com/auwKL9quxi</a>
&mdash; All India Muslim Personal Law Board (@AIMPLB_Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIMPLB_Official/status/1905337312445432018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
 It further added, &ldquo;The strong protests by Muslims at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and Dharna Sthal in Patna have at least caused a stir among BJP&rsquo;s allied parties. Now, a massive protest is also scheduled to take place in Vijayawada on March 29, 2025.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yeshu-yeshu-pastor-found-guilty-in-2018-sexual-harassment-case-by-punjab-court-8900478">&lsquo;Yeshu Yeshu pastor&rsquo; found guilty in 2018 sexual harassment case by Punjab court</a> &nbsp; AIMPLB general secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi issued a video appeal via its X handle in which he urged people to wear a black armband on their right hand when they go for prayers.&nbsp; He urged Muslims to put a black armband on their right hand and share a video of it while also sending it to the online desk of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8sqs3dg-8x8ymyxy-gf1ddh17">
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT ⭕ वक्फ़ संशोधन बिल के खिलाफ मुस्लिम पर्सनल लॉ बोर्ड का बड़ा ऐलान! रमज़ान के इस आख़री जुमा, जुमातुल विदा को मुसलमान यह काम ज़रूर करें...👇🏻 This Ramazan's Jumma Tul Wida Let us Protest against Waqf Amendment Bill by this method 👇🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAgainstWaqfBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAgainstWaqfBill</a>&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/FPFC0XSZbk">pic.twitter.com/FPFC0XSZbk</a>
&mdash; All India Muslim Personal Law Board (@AIMPLB_Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIMPLB_Official/status/1905207873795494016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
 The 1995 Waqf Act, which governs Waqf properties, has faced criticism regarding property mismanagement, corruption, and unauthorised occupations. The proposed amendments introduce a series of changes designed to modernise the Waqf system. Among the key provisions are stricter regulations governing the registration and monitoring of Waqf properties.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-heckled-during-oxford-university-speech-questioned-on-rg-rape-murder-case-8899764" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mamata Banerjee heckled during Oxford University speech, questioned on RG rape-murder case</a>
In Hyderabad, AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who is also part of the JPC on the Waqf bill, joined in the symbolic protest wearing a black armband while offering prayers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8sqsvv3-vpgv533q-uqtull0o">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Hyderabad | AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi wears 'black band' on his arm supporting the call given by All India Muslim Personal Law Board in protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill <a href="https://t.co/TKPXB4ZTaU">pic.twitter.com/TKPXB4ZTaU</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1905520237904065009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
 The AIMPLB&rsquo;s 31-member Action Committee has resolved to adopt all constitutional, legal, and democratic means to oppose the &ldquo;controversial, discriminatory, and damaging&rdquo; bill. The ruling BJP says that the legislation aims to benefit the disadvantaged Muslims while alleging that the 1995 Waqf Act brought by the then Congress government is repressive and regressive and discriminates against the disadvantaged sections of the Muslim community. The Waqf Amendment Bill will empower underprivileged sections of the Muslim community, it says.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/self-styled-punjab-pastor-bajinder-singh-assaults-woman-holding-baby-other-staffers-video-goes-viral-8882756" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self-styled Punjab pastor Bajinder Singh assaults woman with baby, other staffers; video goes viral</a>
The Tamil Nadu Assembly adopted a resolution on Thursday opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024. Chief Minister MK Stalin said in the assembly that the bill discriminates against Muslims. &ldquo;The central government is inserting schemes that are against state rights, culture, and tradition. In India, various cultures, traditions, and languages are present, but they are doing it with the intention of taking revenge on the states. The Waqf (Amendment) bill is against Muslims.&rdquo;&nbsp;

India News: Several people were seen wearing black armbands while offering prayers in Lucknow, Hyderabad, and other cities in adherence to the call for a silent protest by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).

Muslims in various cities across India wore black armbands while offering namaz on the occasion of ‘Alvida Jumma’, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan. Several people were seen wearing black armbands while offering prayers in Lucknow, Hyderabad, and other cities. The donning of black armbands was in adherence to the call for a silent protest by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). The AIMPLB had urged Muslims across the nation to wear black armbands during the namaz on ‘Alvida Jumma’, also referred to as ‘Alvida namaz’, as a peaceful protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. In a post on X, AIMPLB said, “It is the responsibility of every Muslim in the country to strongly oppose this bill (Waqf Amendment Bill 2025). The All India Muslim Personal Law Board appeals to all Muslims to wear a black armband while coming to the mosque on Jumu’atul Wida as a silent and peaceful expression of grief and protest.” The AIMPLB further said that the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 was “a sinister conspiracy aimed at depriving Muslims of their mosques, eidgahs, madrasas, dargahs, khanqahs, graveyards, and charitable institutions.” An Important Appeal to the Muslims of India Wear a Black Armband on Jumu’atul Wida to Protest against Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.#IndiaAgainstWaqfBill#RejectWaqfBill #SayNoToWaqfBill pic.twitter.com/auwKL9quxi — All India Muslim Personal Law Board (@AIMPLB_Official) March 27, 2025 It further added, “The strong protests by Muslims at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and Dharna Sthal in Patna have at least caused a stir among BJP’s allied parties. Now, a massive protest is also scheduled to take place in Vijayawada on March 29, 2025.” Also Read | ‘Yeshu Yeshu pastor’ found guilty in 2018 sexual harassment case by Punjab court AIMPLB general secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi issued a video appeal via its X handle in which he urged people to wear a black armband on their right hand when they go for prayers. He urged Muslims to put a black armband on their right hand and share a video of it while also sending it to the online desk of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). BIG ANNOUNCEMENT ⭕ वक्फ़ संशोधन बिल के खिलाफ मुस्लिम पर्सनल लॉ बोर्ड का बड़ा ऐलान! रमज़ान के इस आख़री जुमा, जुमातुल विदा को मुसलमान यह काम ज़रूर करें...👇🏻 This Ramazan's Jumma Tul Wida Let us Protest against Waqf Amendment Bill by this method 👇🏻#IndiaAgainstWaqfBill… pic.twitter.com/FPFC0XSZbk — All India Muslim Personal Law Board (@AIMPLB_Official) March 27, 2025 The 1995 Waqf Act, which governs Waqf properties, has faced criticism regarding property mismanagement, corruption, and unauthorised occupations. The proposed amendments introduce a series of changes designed to modernise the Waqf system. Among the key provisions are stricter regulations governing the registration and monitoring of Waqf properties. Also read | Mamata Banerjee heckled during Oxford University speech, questioned on RG rape-murder case In Hyderabad, AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who is also part of the JPC on the Waqf bill, joined in the symbolic protest wearing a black armband while offering prayers. #WATCH | Hyderabad | AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi wears 'black band' on his arm supporting the call given by All India Muslim Personal Law Board in protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill pic.twitter.com/TKPXB4ZTaU — ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2025 The AIMPLB’s 31-member Action Committee has resolved to adopt all constitutional, legal, and democratic means to oppose the “controversial, discriminatory, and damaging” bill. The ruling BJP says that the legislation aims to benefit the disadvantaged Muslims while alleging that the 1995 Waqf Act brought by the then Congress government is repressive and regressive and discriminates against the disadvantaged sections of the Muslim community. The Waqf Amendment Bill will empower underprivileged sections of the Muslim community, it says. Also Read | Self-styled Punjab pastor Bajinder Singh assaults woman with baby, other staffers; video goes viral The Tamil Nadu Assembly adopted a resolution on Thursday opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024. Chief Minister MK Stalin said in the assembly that the bill discriminates against Muslims. “The central government is inserting schemes that are against state rights, culture, and tradition. In India, various cultures, traditions, and languages are present, but they are doing it with the intention of taking revenge on the states. The Waqf (Amendment) bill is against Muslims.”

Why are Muslims in India wearing black armbands during Alvida namaz?

The winter session of Parliament commenced on Monday (Nov. 25) and is sheduled to conclude on 20th December. During this period, multiple bills, including the Waqf Act (Amendment) Bill, are expected to be tabled for discussion.

The winter session of Parliament commenced on Monday (Nov. 25) and is sheduled to conclude on 20th December. During this period, multiple bills, including the Waqf Act (Amendment) Bill, are expected to be tabled for discussion. As per reports, the Opposition is planning to corner the government on the issues of Manipur violence and allegations of bribery involving the Adani Group. Over 10 bills expected to be tabled for discussion during winter session Among the bills listed for introduction, consideration, and passage are the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, the Bills of Lading Bill, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, and the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill. Also read: Nijjar killing row: Canada pushes for 'direct indictment' against four Indians It has been announced that neither the Lok Sabha nor the Rajya Sabha will sit on 26th November to mark the Constitution Day. INDIA bloc to meet at Parliament House to finalise strategy Ahead of the session, floor leaders from the INDIA bloc parties are scheduled to meet at 10:00 AM at Parliament House to finalise their strategy. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, is expected to determine the Opposition’s approach during the session. The Opposition is planning to focus on the Waqf Bill issue and will try to corner the government on the ongoing violence in Manipur, and the allegations of bribery involving the Adani Group. 'Government ready to discuss any issue' Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking after an all-party meeting on Sunday, said that the government is prepared to discuss any issue and emphasised the importance of a smooth session. “A total of 42 leaders from 30 political parties attended the meeting. There are many topics to discuss. We want a productive discussion in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha,” he said. “The government is ready to engage on any topic. Our only request is for the House to function properly, without ruckus. Cooperation and participation from all members are essential to make this winter session successful,” he added. The all-party meeting was attended by floor leaders from political parties in both houses of Parliament. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Parliament Winter Session begins; opposition to corner centre on Adani case, Manipur violence

All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief&nbsp;Badruddin Ajmal&nbsp;on Wednesday (Oct 16) sparked a controversy claiming that the Parliament building and the areas surrounding it in the national capital of Delhi are built on Waqf property.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Ajmal claimed that the area around&nbsp;Vasant Vihar&nbsp;in the national capital up to the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;has been built on Waqf property.

"There are voices and a list of Waqf properties across the world is out - the Parliament building, surrounding areas, and areas around&nbsp;Vasant Vihar&nbsp;up to the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;have been built on Waqf property. People also say that the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;has been built on Waqf property," the AIUDF said.

"It is bad to use the Waqf land without permission. They will lose their ministry very soon over this Waqf Board issue," he added.

Meanwhile, the opposition MPs have written a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on gross violation of the parliamentary code of conduct during the meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024.

The opposition MPs in the letter alleged numerous violations of the&nbsp;parliamentary code of conduct and rules of procedure by Committee Chairperson Jagdambika Pal during the Committee meeting held on October 14 in New Delhi.

In a letter to Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, the opposition MPs stated: "The proceedings of the Committee were conducted in a biased and partisan manner by the Chairperson Jagdambika Pal. The invitation extended to Anwar Manippady to depose evidence before the Committee by the Chairperson is not within the scope and ambit of the Committee."

The opposition MPs also claimed that a note titled to be a presentation on the "Waqf Bill 2012 based on Karnataka Waqf Scam Report 2012" contained no observations on the Waqf Bill rather only politically motivated allegations against leaders of the Karnataka Congress including Mallikarjun Kharge.

According to the MPs, Manippady deviated from the agenda of the meeting and made a series of allegations against the Karnataka government and levelled allegations against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The opposition MPs said that the allegations were irrelevant and unacceptable.

"At the beginning of his remarks, Manippady circulated a note titled "Presentation on the&nbsp;Waqf Amendment Bill&nbsp;2012 based on Karnataka Waqf Scam Report 2012" to the committee members. The note contained no observations on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024,"&nbsp;read the letter.

"Instead, it was full of politically motivated allegations against leaders of the Karnataka Congress, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition (Rajya Sabha). Despite vehement protests by several committee members that Kharge occupies a constitutional position of high dignity and is not present in the meeting, the witness was allowed to speak by the Chairperson. Further, he refused to provide adequate time to committee members to lodge their protests," it added.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;WAQF (Amendment) bill sent to joint parliamentary committee | What is WAQF?

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&nbsp;

The opposition MPs in the letter also stated that the Members of the Committee were deprived of their fundamental right to voice their concerns and thoughts in a space which is expected to operate with the highest alignment to democratic values.

"We believe that it is imperative to inform you of the situation, as it not only involves an insult to the Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha, but paves a way for a marked departure from the spirit of bipartisanship and dignity expected from a parliamentary committee," read the letter.

"We request your immediate intervention in the matter, and expect you to remind the Chairperson of the Committee of his duty to be bipartisan and uphold&nbsp;parliamentary norms. It will be very difficult for Members of Parliament across party lines to continue working on the Joint Parliamentary Committee in the current partisan and politically motivated environment,"&nbsp;it&nbsp;further stated.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting on the Waqf Bill at Parliament Annexe, witnessed a heated exchange between ruling party MPs and opposition MPs, leading to an intense debate and the opposition MPs staging a walkout of the meeting.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-is-waqf-board-and-why-does-the-indian-government-want-to-curb-its-powers-747223">Also read |&nbsp;Explained: What is Waqf Board and why does the Indian government want to curb its powers?</a>

However, opposition MPs, who previously walked out on Tuesday alleging the use of abusive language from a BJP MP and biased behaviour returned to participate in the meeting again. The opposition MPs who had walked out of the meeting earlier in the day also alleged that the chairman of the committee, Jagdambika Pal, was being biased on many issues and not giving instructions to BJP/NDA MPs.

The opposition MPs had earlier on Monday also walked out of the JPC meeting on Waqf Bill over allegations made by Anwar Manippady, former Chairman of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission and the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal on Wednesday (Oct 16) sparked a controversy claiming that the Parliament building and the areas surrounding it in the national capital of Delhi are built on Waqf property.

All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal on Wednesday (Oct 16) sparked a controversy claiming that the Parliament building and the areas surrounding it in the national capital of Delhi are built on Waqf property. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Ajmal claimed that the area around Vasant Vihar in the national capital up to the airport has been built on Waqf property. "There are voices and a list of Waqf properties across the world is out - the Parliament building, surrounding areas, and areas around Vasant Vihar up to the airport have been built on Waqf property. People also say that the airport has been built on Waqf property," the AIUDF said. "It is bad to use the Waqf land without permission. They will lose their ministry very soon over this Waqf Board issue," he added. Meanwhile, the opposition MPs have written a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on gross violation of the parliamentary code of conduct during the meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024. The opposition MPs in the letter alleged numerous violations of the parliamentary code of conduct and rules of procedure by Committee Chairperson Jagdambika Pal during the Committee meeting held on October 14 in New Delhi. In a letter to Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, the opposition MPs stated: "The proceedings of the Committee were conducted in a biased and partisan manner by the Chairperson Jagdambika Pal. The invitation extended to Anwar Manippady to depose evidence before the Committee by the Chairperson is not within the scope and ambit of the Committee." The opposition MPs also claimed that a note titled to be a presentation on the "Waqf Bill 2012 based on Karnataka Waqf Scam Report 2012" contained no observations on the Waqf Bill rather only politically motivated allegations against leaders of the Karnataka Congress including Mallikarjun Kharge. According to the MPs, Manippady deviated from the agenda of the meeting and made a series of allegations against the Karnataka government and levelled allegations against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The opposition MPs said that the allegations were irrelevant and unacceptable. "At the beginning of his remarks, Manippady circulated a note titled "Presentation on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2012 based on Karnataka Waqf Scam Report 2012" to the committee members. The note contained no observations on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024," read the letter. "Instead, it was full of politically motivated allegations against leaders of the Karnataka Congress, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition (Rajya Sabha). Despite vehement protests by several committee members that Kharge occupies a constitutional position of high dignity and is not present in the meeting, the witness was allowed to speak by the Chairperson. Further, he refused to provide adequate time to committee members to lodge their protests," it added. Watch | WAQF (Amendment) bill sent to joint parliamentary committee | What is WAQF? × The opposition MPs in the letter also stated that the Members of the Committee were deprived of their fundamental right to voice their concerns and thoughts in a space which is expected to operate with the highest alignment to democratic values. "We believe that it is imperative to inform you of the situation, as it not only involves an insult to the Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha, but paves a way for a marked departure from the spirit of bipartisanship and dignity expected from a parliamentary committee," read the letter. "We request your immediate intervention in the matter, and expect you to remind the Chairperson of the Committee of his duty to be bipartisan and uphold parliamentary norms. It will be very difficult for Members of Parliament across party lines to continue working on the Joint Parliamentary Committee in the current partisan and politically motivated environment," it further stated. The Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting on the Waqf Bill at Parliament Annexe, witnessed a heated exchange between ruling party MPs and opposition MPs, leading to an intense debate and the opposition MPs staging a walkout of the meeting. Also read | Explained: What is Waqf Board and why does the Indian government want to curb its powers? However, opposition MPs, who previously walked out on Tuesday alleging the use of abusive language from a BJP MP and biased behaviour returned to participate in the meeting again. The opposition MPs who had walked out of the meeting earlier in the day also alleged that the chairman of the committee, Jagdambika Pal, was being biased on many issues and not giving instructions to BJP/NDA MPs. The opposition MPs had earlier on Monday also walked out of the JPC meeting on Waqf Bill over allegations made by Anwar Manippady, former Chairman of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission and the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indian Parliament built on Waqf land, claims AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday (Aug 8) introduced in the Indian parliament The Waqf (Amendment) Bill and The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 which seeks to kick-start reforms in Waqf boards.

Among the amendments introduced is one that mandates two women members on the Waqf board panel.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1804}">Salient features of the proposed amendments</h2>

In total, 44 amendments have been introduced to alter the structure of the Waqf Act of 1995. Meanwhile, the Waqf Act 1923 will be revoked, reports PTI.&nbsp;

Key changes include renaming the Waqf Act 1995 as the 'Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:262,&quot;w&quot;:430,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1948}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kiren-rijiju-moves-waqf-amendment-bill-in-lok-sabha-748318">India: Kiren Rijiju moves Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha</a>

Among the salient features of the proposed amendments are the registration of Waqf property through a central portal and the protection of the Bohra community.

Replacing Section 40 of the existing Waqf Board Act, the Amendment bill also proposes stripping the Board of its power to declare any property as "Waqf property".

For the sake of 'inclusivity',&nbsp;the proposed amendments seek to ensure women's representation on the Central Waqf Council and state boards.

Additionally, changes have been included for adequate representation of all Muslim communities, including Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Aghakhani, and other backward classes.&nbsp;

For Bohras and Aghakhanis, a separate Board of Auqaf has been recommended.

Rijiju dismissed all the allegations of opposition related to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, saying that the BJP-led government will fight for the rights of those who never got justice.

“Forget about snatching anybody’s right. We in this bill are trying to bring justice for those who never got justice, and we will fight for their rights.&nbsp;The amendment to the Bill has not happened for the first time ever.&nbsp;Since independence, it has&nbsp;been amended multiple times,” he said.

“They (Opposition) are misleading Muslims…Till last night, Muslim delegations came to me…Many MPs have told me that the mafia has taken over Waqf boards. Some MPs have said that they personally support the bill but can’t say it due to their political parties…We have held multi-layered country-wide consultations on this bill…,” he further said.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:529,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2215}">Opposition calls amendments 'draconian'</h2>

Opposition parties have raised strong objections to the amendments. Congress leader KC Venugopal called the bill an "attack on the constitution".

"I would like to raise an objection to this draconian law introduced by the government. Fundamentally, this is an attack on the Constitution," Venugopal said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nirmala-sitharaman-says-burden-on-middle-class-narrative-not-based-on-facts-clarifies-real-estate-taxes-748144">Nirmala Sitharaman says burden on middle class narrative ‘not based on facts’; clarifies real estate taxes</a>

The Congress MP argued that the Bill violated Article 26 of the Constitution. Article 26 grants the citizens of India the right to form and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes, manage religious affairs, and administer property according to the law.

"Through this Bill, they (the Centre) are putting a provision that non-Muslims can also be members of the governing council. Can anyone imagine a non-Hindu being part of the Supreme Court-constituted Ayodhya Board? This provision directly attacks the faith and freedom of religion," Venugopal asserted.

He also expressed concerns that the BJP-NDA government might target other communities.

"Now you are going after Muslims. Next you will go for Christians, and then Jains."

However, Rijiju slammed the opposition for "misleading" Muslims and said that the current law had many mistakes and had hence not been able to serve its purpose.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday (Aug 8) introduced in the Indian parliament The Waqf (Amendment) Bill and The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 which seeks to kick-start reforms in Waqf boards.

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday (Aug 8) introduced in the Indian parliament The Waqf (Amendment) Bill and The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 which seeks to kick-start reforms in Waqf boards. Among the amendments introduced is one that mandates two women members on the Waqf board panel. Salient features of the proposed amendments In total, 44 amendments have been introduced to alter the structure of the Waqf Act of 1995. Meanwhile, the Waqf Act 1923 will be revoked, reports PTI. Key changes include renaming the Waqf Act 1995 as the 'Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995'. Also read | India: Kiren Rijiju moves Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha Among the salient features of the proposed amendments are the registration of Waqf property through a central portal and the protection of the Bohra community. Replacing Section 40 of the existing Waqf Board Act, the Amendment bill also proposes stripping the Board of its power to declare any property as "Waqf property". For the sake of 'inclusivity', the proposed amendments seek to ensure women's representation on the Central Waqf Council and state boards. Additionally, changes have been included for adequate representation of all Muslim communities, including Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Aghakhani, and other backward classes. For Bohras and Aghakhanis, a separate Board of Auqaf has been recommended. Rijiju dismissed all the allegations of opposition related to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, saying that the BJP-led government will fight for the rights of those who never got justice. “Forget about snatching anybody’s right. We in this bill are trying to bring justice for those who never got justice, and we will fight for their rights. The amendment to the Bill has not happened for the first time ever. Since independence, it has been amended multiple times,” he said. “They (Opposition) are misleading Muslims…Till last night, Muslim delegations came to me…Many MPs have told me that the mafia has taken over Waqf boards. Some MPs have said that they personally support the bill but can’t say it due to their political parties…We have held multi-layered country-wide consultations on this bill…,” he further said. Opposition calls amendments 'draconian' Opposition parties have raised strong objections to the amendments. Congress leader KC Venugopal called the bill an "attack on the constitution". "I would like to raise an objection to this draconian law introduced by the government. Fundamentally, this is an attack on the Constitution," Venugopal said. Also read | Nirmala Sitharaman says burden on middle class narrative ‘not based on facts’; clarifies real estate taxes The Congress MP argued that the Bill violated Article 26 of the Constitution. Article 26 grants the citizens of India the right to form and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes, manage religious affairs, and administer property according to the law. "Through this Bill, they (the Centre) are putting a provision that non-Muslims can also be members of the governing council. Can anyone imagine a non-Hindu being part of the Supreme Court-constituted Ayodhya Board? This provision directly attacks the faith and freedom of religion," Venugopal asserted. He also expressed concerns that the BJP-NDA government might target other communities. "Now you are going after Muslims. Next you will go for Christians, and then Jains." However, Rijiju slammed the opposition for "misleading" Muslims and said that the current law had many mistakes and had hence not been able to serve its purpose. (With inputs from agencies)

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