Despite strong protests from Opposition parties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi succeeded in passing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 in Parliament on April 2. The bill is widely viewed by the Muslim community as neither supportive nor beneficial to their interests.
Critics argue that the Bill violates Articles 14, 25, and 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee every citizen the right to practise their religion and safeguard religious properties. Many have dubbed the legislation a Black Bill due to its discriminatory implications.
One of the most contentious changes allows the appointment of a non-Muslim to oversee Waqf Board affairs. Such a move raises serious concerns, as the appointee could be seen as merely executing the will of a powerful government rather than ensuring fair and autonomous governance.
A particularly troubling provision could allow individuals to challenge the legitimacy of Waqf properties – such as Masjids and Madrasas – by alleging they were built on sites where temples once stood. In such cases, the courts may be compelled to entertain these claims, leading to prolonged legal battles with uncertain outcomes for the Waqf Board.
There is growing unease in the Muslim community about the government’s intentions regarding Waqf propertiesdonated historically by Mughal rulers and Muslim ancestors in the name of Allah. Many fear these assets could be confiscated or redistributed to members of other communities.
Therefore, it is imperative for Indian Muslims to unite and raise their voices through peaceful protests, demanding immediate repeal of this unjust legislation.
Syed Amjad Ali
Secunderabad, Telangana
The Truth Must Emerge
People in India have enormous faith in the judiciary and many of them live in the hope that it will come to their rescue without succumbing to fear or favour when they are in dire need of help or are in distress. For them, reports of a Delhi High Court judge getting embroiled in an alleged cash row comes as a rude shock. Having seen politicians of every hue battling charges of corruption and favouritism, a judge for them is the embodiment of truth and impartiality who will never give in to pressure of any kind.
The latest incident involving Justice Yashwant Varma therefore needs to be probed in depth so that the truth comes out. There are lakhs of litigants who crowd the chambers of courts in the hope of receiving a fair trial and justice and their hopes should not be belied in any manner.
Habib K.
Bengaluru, Karnataka
AAP MLA & NGO Move SC over Waqf Bill
Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan has moved the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionalvalidity of the Waqf(Amendment) Bill 2024. The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has also moved the apex court. Congress MP Asaduddin Owaisi also moved with a similar plea. In his plea, Mr. Khan sought that the bill be declared as “unconstitutional and being violative of Articles 14,15,21,25,26,29,30 and 300-A of the Constitution” and sought direction for striking itdown.“The Bill violates fundamental rights, undermines minority rights to manage their religious and charitable institutions,” the plea said.In its plea, the NGO said, “The bill directly violates Articles 14,25,26, and 300 A … democratic and secular framework.”
The petition said the drastic overhaul proposed by the bill is unnecessary and alarming interferences in the religious affairs of the Muslim community.
Chowdhry Nisar Ahmed
Noorullah pet, Ambur (T.N.)