India’s parliament has passed a contentious bill that aims to change the management of Muslim properties worth billions of dollars, sparking fierce debate and criticism from opposition parties and Muslim leaders.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was cleared by the upper house on Friday after hours of heated discussion. The bill seeks to make the administration of waqf properties more transparent, but critics argue it infringes on the rights of India’s minority Muslim community.
According to proponents, the bill aims to reduce legal loopholes and modernize waqf administration. However, Muslim leaders and opposition parties claim it gives the government excessive control over these properties and undermines their autonomy.
The bill has several key changes, including requiring valid documents for claiming a property as waqf, allowing non-Muslims on boards, and introducing a centralized registration system. Critics argue that these changes dilute minority rights and pave the way for greater government intervention in waqf matters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the passage of the bill, calling it a “watershed moment” and stating that it will boost transparency and safeguard people’s rights. However, opposition leaders have condemned the bill, saying it was introduced arbitrarily despite significant opposition.
The bill now needs to be approved by India’s president before becoming law, with approval expected soon.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyn87ly1pqo