Waqf (Amendment) Bill Sparks Fierce Debate in Lok Sabha: A Clash Over Constitutional Rights and Religious Freedom

Waqf (Amendment) Bill Sparks Fierce Debate in Lok Sabha: A Clash Over Constitutional Rights and Religious Freedom

The introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Thursday ignited a heated debate, with opposition parties accusing the government of targeting the Muslim community and undermining the Constitution. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who presented the Bill, defended the amendments as necessary reforms to the Waqf Act of 1995, arguing that the current legislation has failed to address various issues plaguing Waqf boards across the country.

As soon as Rijiju sought permission to introduce the Bill, the opposition, particularly members of the INDIA bloc, vehemently opposed it. Congress MP K C Venugopal led the charge, denouncing the Bill as a “draconian law” and a fundamental attack on the Constitution. Venugopal argued that the legislation infringes on the right to freedom of religion and was being introduced with an eye on the upcoming assembly elections, particularly in states like Maharashtra.

“This is not just a legislative issue; it’s a direct assault on the very fabric of our Constitution,” Venugopal stated. “The government is playing a dangerous game of divisive politics, and this Bill is a clear example of that.”

The opposition’s concerns were echoed by other leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and NCP MP Supriya Sule. Yadav criticized the Bill for including provisions to appoint non-Muslims to Waqf boards, questioning the necessity of such a move when other religious bodies are not subjected to similar rules.

“This Bill is not about transparency; it’s about appeasing the BJP’s hardcore base,” Yadav asserted. “By interfering in the functioning of Waqf boards, the government is sending a message that it is willing to disregard the rights of Muslims to gain political mileage.”

Supriya Sule of the NCP highlighted the broader implications of the Bill, pointing to the rising intolerance and attacks on minorities in neighboring Bangladesh. “As a nation, it is our moral duty to protect our minorities,” she said. “This Bill, in its current form, fails to do that. It is imperative that we discuss and amend it to ensure it is fair and just.”

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi went further, claiming that the amendments posed a grave threat to the basic structure of the Constitution. Owaisi argued that the Bill violates the principles of judicial independence and separation of powers, and that the Lok Sabha does not have the authority to enact such changes.

“This Bill is an attack on the Constitution and an affront to the Muslim community,” Owaisi declared. “The government’s intentions are clear: they are the enemies of Muslims, and this Bill is just more evidence of that.”

In response to the opposition’s criticisms, Minister Kiren Rijiju robustly defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, accusing the Congress of failing to reform the Waqf Act when it had the chance. He argued that the existing law had allowed Waqf boards to become entrenched in corruption and inefficiency, with some even being taken over by “mafia-like” elements.

“These amendments are long overdue,” Rijiju stated. “We are bringing justice to ordinary Muslims who have suffered under the current system. The opposition is misleading the community for political gain, but we are here to make the system transparent and accountable.”

Rijiju also emphasized that the Bill introduces provisions allowing verdicts from Waqf tribunals to be challenged in higher courts, a measure aimed at ensuring fairness and justice. He cited examples such as a village in Tamil Nadu and the Surat municipal corporation headquarters being declared Waqf properties to underline the necessity of these reforms.

“In our country, no law should be above the Constitution,” Rijiju argued. “The 1995 Waqf Act contains provisions that contradict the Constitution, and it’s our duty to correct those wrongs.”

Given the intensity of the debate, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that the Bill would be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for further discussion. This move was seen as a way to placate the opposition while allowing the government to push forward with its proposed amendments.

As the Bill moves to the committee stage, it is clear that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill will remain a contentious issue, reflecting deeper divisions over the role of religion in governance and the protection of minority rights in India.

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