Union Cabinet Clears Amendments to Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 16)

Analysis of the news:

Key Amendments in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

• The Union Cabinet has approved all 14 amendments recommended by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

• The Bill, which seeks to modify the Waqf Act of 1995, is expected to be tabled in Parliament during the second half of the Budget session starting March 10.

• The amendments address concerns regarding government oversight, dispute resolution, and representation in Waqf boards.

Extended Timeline for Property Registration

• Initially, the Bill mandated the registration of all waqf properties within six months on a central portal.

• However, an amendment now allows the Waqf Tribunal to grant extensions in select cases where “sufficient cause” is provided.

• Another amendment ensures that waqfs that fail to register within six months can still file legal proceedings if they submit an affidavit explaining the delay.

Revised Role of the District Collector

• Previously, the Bill gave the District Collector powers to determine whether a property is waqf or government-owned.

• This provision faced criticism as it allowed the government to judge its own disputes.

• The JPC accepted amendments to replace the collector with a more senior “designated officer” from the state government for dispute resolution and revenue record updates.

Changes in Waqf Board Representation

• The original Bill allowed non-Muslim officials and members in waqf boards, raising concerns about representation.

• An amendment now mandates that the state government’s representative on the Waqf Board must be a Joint Secretary-level officer handling waqf matters.

• Additionally, the JPC approved a provision requiring at least one tribunal member to have expertise in Muslim law and jurisprudence.

Conclusion

• The amendments reflect a balance between government oversight and community concerns.

• While the Bill still enhances state involvement in waqf matters, the revisions address some contentious issues, particularly regarding dispute resolution and legal safeguards for waqfs.

• The final outcome will depend on the parliamentary debate and potential further modifications before its enactment.