Opposition members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill have alleged that the Bill’s “draconian” nature remains unchanged despite discussions. They accused the committee chairman, Jagdambika Pal, of undemocratic conduct and claimed the Bill aims to interfere in the religious affairs of Muslims.
DMK MP A Raja stated, “The committee’s proceedings have become a mockery. The report seems pre-drafted. The DMK will move the Supreme Court to challenge this law once it is passed by Parliament.”
Opposition MPs, including A Raja, Asaduddin Owaisi, and others, proposed amendments to restore provisions from the current Act. However, these were rejected during the committee meeting. A joint statement by opposition members criticized the committee for ignoring constitutional safeguards for minorities and claimed the majority in Parliament was being used to undermine secularism.
The JPC, formed on August 9, held consultations in Delhi, Patna, Kolkata, and Lucknow, where most stakeholders opposed the Bill. However, opposition MPs alleged that stakeholder submissions were not shared with the panel and that the chairman bypassed established procedures during clause-by-clause consideration.
The MPs also alleged, “The chairman’s actions reflect the government’s agenda to impose a saffron agenda on this secular nation.”
Responding to the allegations, Pal said the amendments were considered in a democratic manner. The government is likely to table the Bill in the upcoming budget session.
