The Haj Association of India has expressed strong support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, describing it as a “significant initiative” by the government.
A Aboobucker, chairman of the Haj Association of India, praised the bill, stating that it would be beneficial for women’s empowerment and provide assistance to the poor. “We welcome this amendment as the Waqf Act is quite old and needs updates in line with the current scenario. The government of India has taken a big initiative, and we fully support it,” Aboobucker said. He also criticized the opposition to the bill, asserting that some organizations and political parties are resisting necessary reforms.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995. It seeks to address issues related to the powers of State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of waqf properties, and the removal of encroachments. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the bill, emphasized that it does not interfere with the freedom of any religious body but aims to grant rights to those who have historically been deprived.
However, the bill faced strong opposition in the Lok Sabha. Congress MP KC Venugopal called it an “attack on the federal system,” while NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule urged the government to either withdraw the bill or send it to a standing committee for further consideration. RSP MP NK Premachandran warned that the law could be struck down if subjected to judicial scrutiny, and DMK MP Kanimozhi argued that the bill violates Article 30, which protects the rights of minorities to administer their institutions.
Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav and AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi also voiced their opposition, with Owaisi claiming that the bill breaches the principles of Articles 14, 15, and 25 of the Constitution.
Despite the opposition, the bill has found support from other quarters. Earlier this week, the All India Sufi Sajjadanshin Council (AISSC) also welcomed the proposed amendments, with Chairman Syed Naseruddin Chishty urging all parties to cooperate with the government in passing the bill. Chishty highlighted the need for transparency in Waqf Board operations and stressed the importance of protecting dargahs and addressing corruption within Waqf boards across states.