The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, April 2. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), the largest organisation representing Muslims, held a press conference opposing the government's move. During the conference, the AIMPLB stated that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) formed to review the Waqf amendment had worsened the situation. AIMPLB threatened to protest nationwide if the bill passed in parliament.
AIMPLB spokesperson Dr Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas said, "If this bill is passed in the Parliament, then we will start a nationwide movement against it. We won’t sit quietly. We will make use of all legal and constitutional provisions available to us. We will run a peaceful agitation until the proposed amendments are taken back."
"Important matters were not considered before introducing the Waqf Amendment Bill." Citing an example, he pointed out that under Section 3C2, the power to make decisions, previously held by the Collector, has now been assigned to a designated officer. He argued that this change has made the issue more complicated.
At the press conference, the AIMPLB spokesperson further stated, "This bill is discriminatory and communally motivated...Sadly, the points made by Opposition members were also not taken into consideration by the JPC."
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He also raised concerns about another provision, stating, "There is a rule that only a practicing Muslim can create a Waqf. How will the government determine who is a practicing Muslim? The government has ignored our suggestions. The Waqf system has been taken away from Muslims, and inheritance rights are being abolished."
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is registered as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in India. Established in 1973, it aims to protect and promote the religious personal laws of Indian Muslims.