He said that the Bill undermines fundamental principles of religious freedom, equality and justice, enshrined in Articles 14, 25 and 26 of the Constitution.He outlined several key objections, including concerns that the Bill erodes Waqf Board autonomy by altering its composition and introducing non-Muslim members, thereby compromising the community’s right to manage its own religious and charitable endowments.The AIMPLB also warned that the Bill disrupts Waqf management by empowering government entities to seize Waqf properties, thereby threatening their very existence.Furthermore, board members said that amendments regarding the creation and management of Waqf endowments are regressive and detrimental to Muslim interests.The JPC’s report, according to the AIMPLB, failed to address these concerns and instead perpetuated the Bill’s flaws.In a press statement issued after the press conference, the AIMPLB urged all secular and non-communal parties, as well as “conscientious” MPs, to reject the “divisive” Bill and uphold constitutional principles of equality, justice and religious freedom.It also called on MPs not to stage a walkout but to engage in debate and press for a vote in both houses of Parliament, thereby compelling NDA allies and fence-sitters to take a stand against the legislation.The AIMPLB called on citizens across the country to take to the streets and hold peaceful and democratic protests if the Bill is passed, vowing to continue demonstrations until it is withdrawn.According to the Bill, trusts created by Muslims under any law will no longer be considered Waqf, ensuring full control over them.Only practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to Waqf, restoring the pre-2013 rules.Also, women must receive their inheritance before Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans, the Bill proposes.It also proposes that an officer above the rank of collector will investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.In case of disputes, the senior government official will have the final say on whether a property belongs to Waqf or the government.This replaces the existing system where such decisions are made by Waqf tribunals.Non-Muslim members will be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity, according to the Bill.The Bill has been met with criticism due to its contentious provisions, including allowing non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, as well as provisions stating that any government property identified as Waqf will cease to be one, with the district collector determining its ownership.Opposition parties, including the Congress, have opposed the proposed legislation, claiming that the JPC ignored their suggestions and that the Centre is rushing it through Parliament.
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