Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha: On August 7, 2024, the Narendra Modi-led government set to present the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to the Lok Sabha. This proposed legislation aims to revise the Waqf Act of 1995.
Key changes in the new Bill include the introduction of the ‘district collector’ into the Act. The collector will now have the authority to resolve disputes related to Waqf properties. Additionally, the term ‘Waqf’ in the original Act will be replaced with ‘Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development’.
The Bill states that any government property identified as Waqf property before or after the new Act comes into effect will not be classified as Waqf property. It also empowers district collectors to handle disputes between the Waqf Board and the government. If a question arises about whether a property identified as Waqf is indeed government property, the matter will be referred to the collector. The collector will investigate, decide if the property is government-owned, and then report to the State Government.
If the collector finds that the property is government-owned, they will correct the revenue records and submit their findings to the State Government.
The proposed amendments would require mandatory verification of properties claimed by the Waqf Board, potentially leading to disputes over dargahs and mosques. Owaisi criticized the government for attempting to encroach on judicial authority, suggesting that the BJP and RSS are undermining religious institutions.
More Updates to follow...................
Parliament Set to Review Waqf Act Changes on August 5 to Curb Waqf Boards' Powers