Darul Uloom Deoband opposes Waqf Act changes

New Delhi: Darul Uloom Deoband, the premier Islamic seminary of the country, strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill in its deposition before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), asserting that it is unacceptable to the community as the draft legislation tinkers with religiosity of the existing Waqf Act.

Arshad Madani, head of Darul Uloom Deoband, along with his team deposed before the JPC on Waqf Amendment Bill chaired by BJP leader Jagdambika Pal.

According to sources, Madani emphasised to the panel that the Waqf Act is a religious Act, and the suggested revisions are inappropriate since they interfere with its religiosity.


The Darul Uloom Deoband gave their 14 points on the proposed law to the parliamentary panel.

Elaborating his objections, Madani said the omission of sections 40, 104, 107, 108 and 108A of the existing law in the bill were against the interest of the Waqf.

Section 104 of the Waqf Act deals with properties given or donated by persons not professing Islam or support of certain Waqf, Section 107 states that the provisions of the Limitation Act-193 shall not apply to any suit for possession of immovable property in any Waqf. Section 108 states that the Waqf Act will deem to be applied to any evacuee property in the country. Section 108A states that the Waqf Act will have an overriding effect if there are inconsistencies with any other laws.

Section 40 deals with the determination of any property as Waqf property.