The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, seeks to implement significant reforms to the Waqf Act of 1995. Key proposals include the mandatory inclusion of two Muslim women and two non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, and granting District Collectors the authority to determine whether a property is Waqf or government land—a role currently assigned to Waqf tribunals. The government asserts that these amendments aim to enhance transparency and accountability within Waqf Boards.
However, the bill has faced substantial opposition. Critics argue that the proposed changes infringe upon religious freedoms and undermine the autonomy of Waqf institutions. During the bill's introduction, Congress leader K.C. Venugopal labeled it as "draconian" and an attack on the Constitution, suggesting it targets the Muslim community. In response, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill, stating it seeks to implement reforms recommended by previous committees and aims to deliver justice to ordinary Muslims by addressing issues of mismanagement within Waqf Boards.
The formation of the 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee was announced on August 9, 2024, comprising 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. The committee was tasked with submitting its report by the end of the first week of the subsequent Parliament session. Opposition members have expressed concerns over the committee's proceedings, alleging that the chairman is expediting the process without adequate deliberation. On November 25, 2024, opposition members met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, requesting an extension of the committee's tenure to allow for more comprehensive discussions on the extensive legislation.
Tensions within the committee have been evident. In one instance, opposition members, including AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress member Mohammad Jawed, walked out of a meeting, protesting the inclusion of individuals they deemed irrelevant to the Waqf Amendment Bill in oral evidence sessions. They later rejoined the meeting after a brief absence. Additionally, a dispute arose when the Delhi Waqf Board administrator submitted a report without the Delhi government's approval, leading to further contention among committee members.