Tensions ensued during a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on Monday, convened to examine the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Opposition MPs expressed discontent, alleging that “fake presentations” were being discussed and specifically challenged the legitimacy of the report from the Delhi Waqf Board.
The Opposition referred to a letter from Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena, which was addressed to JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal, urging the committee to dismiss the report due to purported irregularities regarding Waqf properties.
This sparked a heated exchange between the ruling party and Opposition MPs, leading to the Opposition’s temporary exit from the meeting. Although they returned later, disputes with the ruling party continued over the bill’s content.
On Monday, the JPC also heard from representatives of the Waqf Boards from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, along with input from Call for Justice, a collective of former judges, and the Waqf Tenant Welfare Association.
The recent JPC sessions have been marked by escalating tensions between ruling and Opposition members. During the October 22 meeting, an incident occurred when Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee smashed a glass bottle in a fit of anger amid a contentious exchange. The meeting was briefly adjourned after Banerjee hurled the broken pieces at Pal.
Following this, the JPC Chairman notified Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla about the incident, expressing relief that no one was injured. He condemned Banerjee’s actions as disruptive and inappropriate, resulting in the MP’s suspension for one day (two sessions).
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8 after a vigorous debate, has since been referred to the JPC for further examination. Discussions with various stakeholders regarding the bill are expected to continue.
The Waqf Bill aims to reform the management of Waqf Board properties; however, several provisions have faced criticism.
