Lok Sabha Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill After Heated 12-Hour Debate

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the early hours of Thursday, April 3, following a marathon 12-hour debate. The Bill was approved with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, after all opposition amendments were rejected by voice vote.

The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) defended the Bill as a significant step for the welfare of minorities, while the opposition criticized it as “anti-Muslim.” Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, in his response to the debate, dismissed these claims and asserted that India remains the safest country in the world for minorities.

“There is no place in the world safer than India for minorities, and that is because the majority here is entirely secular,” Rijiju stated.

The Bill will now move to the Rajya Sabha, where another extensive debate is anticipated. The government has allocated eight hours for discussions in the Upper House, according to news agency PTI.

The revised legislation was introduced after the Joint Parliamentary Committee reviewed and incorporated recommendations into the initial draft, first introduced in August last year. Alongside the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the Lok Sabha also passed the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024.

Rijiju Slams Opposition Over Criticism

In his speech, Rijiju strongly criticized opposition members who labeled the Bill as “anti-Muslim.” He argued that the new legislation would directly benefit poor Muslims and enhance the management of Waqf properties.

“Crores of poor Muslims will thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this Bill,” he declared.

Rejecting concerns about the Bill’s constitutionality, Rijiju said, “Some members claim the Bill is unconstitutional. If that were true, why hasn’t any court struck it down? We should not use such terms lightly.”

Key Features of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill

The Bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to improve the administration and management of Waqf properties across India. It aims to resolve past inefficiencies, enhance the role of technology in maintaining Waqf records, and streamline the registration process.

With the Lok Sabha’s approval, the focus now shifts to the Rajya Sabha, where the Bill faces further scrutiny.