Waqf Bill likely to be deferred to Budget Session of Parliament 2025: Sources

The Waqf Bill, aimed at reforming Waqf property management, faces delays as political discord stalls the Joint Parliamentary Committee's progress. It's now set for potential discussion in the Budget Session 2025.

In Short

• Parliamentary committee discord causing heated debates and disruptions
• BJP MP Nishikant Dubey seeks extension of JPC's term
• Waqf Amendment Bill aims for central oversight and transparency

The contentious Waqf Amendment Bill, aimed at reforming the management and regulation of Waqf properties across the country, is now likely to be tabled during the Budget Session in February 2025, sources told India Today TV.

The bill has been deferred to the next Parliament Session due to heated debates and disruptions within the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) tasked with reviewing the bill.

TENSIONS WITHIN THE JPC

The JPC has been marred by discord since its inception. Meetings have often devolved into heated exchanges between ruling BJP members and the Opposition leaders. From verbal sparring to reports of a bottle being smashed during deliberations, the JPC has struggled to maintain decorum. These conflicts have delayed key state visits and hampered progress.

Amid this turmoil, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey moved a resolution seeking an extension of the JPC’s term. The proposal suggests the committee submit its report to Parliament in the first week of the Budget Session.

The resolution, now under the purview of JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal, is expected to be forwarded to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for consideration.

According to sources, the extension is likely to be approved, aligning with demands from opposition leaders, including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who has criticised the quality of discussions and questioned the necessity of the bill itself.

JPC'S WORK SO FAR

Despite the challenges, Chairman Jagdambika Pal has prepared a 500-page draft report. However, there is a consensus that further deliberation is essential, given the sensitive and contentious nature of the Waqf Bill.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks during a post-election speech in Maharashtra have added fuel to the fire. He criticised the Waqf Act, claiming it was not envisioned by the Constitution's architect, BR Ambedkar, and accused Congress of enacting the law to serve its vote bank politics.

"Congress made laws to promote appeasement politics, and the Waqf Board is an example of it," the Prime Minister had said.

WHAT IS WAQF BILL?

Waqf refers to a religious endowment, typically involving property or assets dedicated to charitable or religious purposes under Islamic law. These properties are managed by state and national Waqf Boards in India, often for education, social welfare, and religious activities. However, mismanagement, encroachments, and a lack of transparency have plagued these institutions, necessitating reform.

KEY PROVISIONS OF WAQF BILL

The proposed Waqf Bill seeks to address systemic issues and introduce reforms such as:

• Centralised oversight: Establishing a Central Waqf Council to monitor Waqf Boards and ensure uniform governance across states.
• Enhanced transparency: Mandating audits and public disclosures to curb corruption and inefficiencies.
• Protection of properties: Introducing measures to identify and remove encroachments, ensuring proper utilisation of Waqf assets.
• Stronger legal framework: Empowering Waqf tribunals to resolve disputes more effectively.

ROLE OF THE JPC

The JPC plays a critical role in refining the bill. Its mandate includes gathering input from stakeholders, balancing competing interests, and ensuring the bill addresses the core challenges of Waqf property management.

However, the slugfest within the committee has slowed progress, with sharp divisions over the bill’s implications for constitutional and social frameworks.

IMPLICATIONS & CHALLENGES

The reform of Waqf properties is seen as vital for unlocking their potential, with billions of rupees worth of assets tied up in mismanaged or encroached properties. Proper governance could channel these resources into public welfare.

Yet, strong resistance from various quarters suggests an uphill battle for the government. The delays and disagreements within the JPC only underscore the challenges of achieving consensus on such a complex and sensitive issue.