JPC adopts amended Waqf Bill with 15 to 11 votes

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) scrutinising the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday adopted its report and the amended version of the proposed law with a majority vote, panel's chairperson Jagdambika Pal said.

Opposition members voiced their strong criticism of the adopted bill, which was approved with 15-11 votes, alleging that it was "unconstitutional" and that it will destroy the Waqf board by allowing the government to interfere in the religious matters of Muslims.

As many as 12 MPs have given dissent notes, some of them have given it jointly, highlighting that this bill will weaken the defence of the Muslim side in the disputes on ancient mosques and dargahs.


A key concern of the Opposition was the appointment of non-Muslims on the Waqf Board, which they claimed was violative of Article 26 of the Constitution that granted citizens freedom to manage their religious affairs, including establishment and maintenance of institutions for religious and charitable purposes.