Waqf debate spans law, politics, freedoms, rights and regulation
By : Sandhya
The proposed amendments aim to remove the contentious "waqf by user" provision for future cases, authorise senior government officials to survey and investigate waqf properties, introduce non-Muslim representation in waqf boards, and make significant changes to the governance, management, and legal status of waqf properties in India. The Lok Sabha passed a comprehensive amendment to the Waqf Act on Thursday.
The move has generated a lot of controversy, with many critics and opposition parties claiming that it infringes on the Muslim community's right to religious autonomy, despite the government's justification that these changes are required to improve transparency, prevent mismanagement, and guarantee better regulation of waqf properties.
It is essential to comprehend the planned reforms as well as the political and social discussions around waqf properties in India because of their profound historical, religious, and legal significance. The bill was referred to a 31-member joint parliamentary committee after being first introduced in Parliament last year, and it now includes all of the JPC's recommendations.