New Delhi
The Union Cabinet has approved 14 amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, as suggested by the Joint Committee of Parliament (JCP). These amendments, backed by NDA members, were approved on January 27, while 44 changes proposed by the Opposition were rejected.
A key amendment includes extending the six-month deadline for registering Waqf properties on a dedicated portal. Additionally, the authority to determine whether land is Waqf or government-owned will shift from the district collector to a state government official. Another amendment mandates that at least one tribunal member must have expertise in Muslim law and jurisprudence.
The revised Bill is expected to be introduced in the second half of the Budget session, beginning March 10. NDA allies, including JD(U), TDP, and LJP (RV), have expressed support for the amendments, strengthening the BJP’s chances of securing enough votes despite being below the majority mark in the Lok Sabha.
Opposition parties have raised concerns over procedural lapses, claiming that portions of their dissent notes were redacted without prior notice. The government later agreed to restore some of the omitted sections. Meanwhile, BJP and committee chairperson Jagdambika Pal have dismissed these allegations, asserting that all procedures were properly followed.
With both sides standing firm, the upcoming parliamentary debate on the Bill is expected to be contentious.