The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the contentiousWaqf (Amendment Bill) 2024witnessed unprecedented drama on Friday, culminating in the suspension of ten Opposition MPs for a day. The suspended members include Kalyan Banerjee, Md Jawaid, A Raja, Asaduddin Owaisi, Nasir Hussain, Mohibullah, M Abdullah, Arvind Sawant, Nadimul Haq, and Imran Masood. The chaos unfolded amidst sharp disagreements over the bills provisions and procedural concerns.

Tensions Escalate During the Meeting

The day began on a stormy note as opposition members accused the committee chairman, Kirit Pal, of rushing the proceedings without granting sufficient time to study the proposed amendments to the Waqf laws. These amendments aim to significantly alter the governance of Waqf boards, including provisions for the inclusion of non-Muslim members, mandatory representation of women, and restrictions on land claims by the Central Waqf Council. The proposals also include provisions to limit donations to Muslims who have been practicing their faith for at least five years, a clause that sparked widespread criticism.

Pal, in turn, accused the MPs of disrupting the proceedings, citing expletives hurled by Kalyan Banerjee as an example of their unruly behavior. Despite adjourning the meeting twice, the chairmans attempts to restore order failed, leading to the suspension of the ten MPs.

The days proceedings coincided with the appearance of Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq before the committee. Farooq voiced strong opposition to the bill, emphasizing the need for non-interference by the government in religious matters. He argued that the proposed changes would undermine the autonomy of Waqf boards and erode trust within the Muslim community. The government must respect the sanctity of religious institutions and refrain from imposing decisions that impact their functioning, Farooq stated.

Oppositions Outcry and Call for Postponement

The Oppositions grievances extended beyond the bills content to the JPCs procedural handling. According to a letter addressed to Speaker Om Birla, Opposition MPs highlighted that they received a revised schedule late Thursday night, leaving them insufficient time to compile material for discussion.

Congress MP Naseer Hussain and TMCs Kalyan Banerjee walked out in protest, calling the proceedings a farce. Meanwhile, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey criticized the Oppositions conduct, accusing them of trying to stifle the majoritys voice in the committee.

Concerns Over Government Interference

The Waqf Amendment Bill has drawn widespread criticism for its perceived encroachment on religious autonomy. Among its contentious provisions are the inclusion of union ministers, MPs, and non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council, a move that critics argue dilutes the communitys control over Waqf properties. Opposition members, including Asaduddin Owaisi, voiced concerns that the bills intent was to weaken the management of Waqf assets and pave the way for their potential misuse. Land is a state subject.

Despite the days disruptions, the JPC continued its discussions with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and other stakeholders. Opposition members, however, remain adamant about their demands for a fairer process. They have sought the intervention of Speaker Om Birla to ensure transparency and grant more time for deliberation.