According to reports, the government of Narendra Modi intends to introduce a bill into Parliament that would limit the Wakf Board’s authority over assets. On Sunday, several media reports stated that the Union Cabinet had approved up to 40 changes to the Wakf Act during a meeting on Friday, and that the bill is likely to be presented soon.
The Wakf Act, however, is what? What modifications are likely to be included in the Act, and why are Muslim leaders dissatisfied? This is your guide to the debate.
What Is the Wakf Act?
The Wakf Act, 1995, was sanctioned to manage ‘Auqaf’, implying resources given and informed as Waqf. A person who dedicates a property for any purpose recognized by Muslim law as pious, religious, or charitable is also mentioned in the act. In 1954, the Waqf Act was first enacted.
Govt. Issues With Wakf Board
In addition, it states that the Waqf Board has been granted “unbridled power” to register any property. It states, “No other trust, mutt, akhara, or society is granted even remotely comparable autonomy in their affairs.”
What Government Wants to Change?
The Economic Times reports that the proposed bill may seek to revoke several Waqf Act provisions. It might likewise propose 40 changes to the Demonstration. According to reports, the move aims to curtail the Waqf Boards’ arbitrary powers, which allow them to claim any property as waqf without requiring verification.
Muslim Leaders In Concern
According to Chief Asaduddin Owaisi of AIMIM, the Modi government intends to eliminate the Waqf Board’s autonomy. This itself is against the opportunity of religion,” he said.
Owaisi warned of “administrative chaos”: “…if you make amendments to the establishment and composition of the Waqf board, then there will be administrative chaos, loss of autonomy of the Waqf board, and if the control of the government over the Waqf Board increases, then the independence of Waqf will be affected.”
