Oppose Waqf Amendment Bill Now
Owaisi Calls for Opposition to Waqf Amendment Bill 2024
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly condemned the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, labeling it as “oppressive and unconstitutional.” In a public statement, Owaisi urged citizens to actively oppose the bill, which he claims threatens the integrity of Waqf properties across India. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, urging action before Friday, September 13, 2024, and announced that QR codes would be available in mosques for the public to submit their objections via email.
Use QR Codes to Submit Objections
Asaduddin Owaisi highlighted that the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has provided a QR code system to facilitate objections against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. Owaisi encouraged the public, especially during Friday prayers, to use these QR codes available at mosques to voice their concerns. He stressed, “I urge all my brothers, sisters, and young friends to raise your voice and register your protest using the QR code. We have just 2 days left. Let’s come together to protect our Waqf properties!” Local MLAs will be present in mosques during Friday prayers to support this initiative.
Accusations Against Government Over Waqf Amendment Bill 2024
Owaisi accused the Modi government of enacting the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 as part of a broader agenda to seize Waqf properties, including mosques, khanqahs, graveyards, and agricultural lands. According to him, the bill is designed to undermine the autonomy of Waqf institutions and marginalize the Muslim community. He called on citizens to flood the system with objections, underscoring the critical nature of the impending deadline. This move by Owaisi reflects growing concern within the Muslim community about the potential impacts of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.
Telangana Waqf Board’s Rejection of the Bill
Earlier this month, the Telangana Waqf Board became the first in India to formally reject the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. During a meeting chaired by Syed Azmatullah Husseni, with Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi and seven other members in attendance, the board resolved to oppose the bill. Owaisi praised Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for his support, stating that the board’s rejection of the bill is a significant stand against what he described as a “retrograde measure” targeting Muslim communities.
Details of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 mandates that all Waqf properties must be registered with the district collector’s office for evaluation. According to the bill, any property identified or declared as Waqf property by the government, whether before or after the act’s commencement, will not be considered Waqf property until approved by the district collector. The collector will have the final authority to determine whether a property is Waqf or government land, updating revenue records accordingly and reporting to the state government.
Additionally, the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 allows disputes with Waqf board decisions to be appealed in high courts and removes provisions that recognized properties as Waqf based on oral declarations or long-term usage, which were previously acceptable under Islamic law. The bill states that without a valid waqfnama (deed of Waqf), a property will be deemed suspect or disputed until the district collector issues a final decision.
Understanding Waqf Properties
Waqf properties are assets dedicated to God for charitable purposes through a formal deed or instrument, known as waqfnama. They are non-transferable and held perpetually in the name of God, serving public or private charitable purposes. Income generated from Waqf properties is typically used to support educational institutions, mosques, graveyards, and shelter homes, benefiting many within the Muslim community. The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 threatens this longstanding tradition by introducing stricter regulatory controls over Waqf properties, raising concerns about their future under the proposed legislation.
Conclusion
Asaduddin Owaisi’s call to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 underscores the significant concerns within the Muslim community regarding the bill’s potential impact on Waqf properties in India. By mobilizing citizens to use QR codes at mosques for submitting objections, Owaisi aims to mount a substantial public response against the bill. As the September 13 deadline approaches, the debate around the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 continues to highlight tensions between government regulation and religious autonomy in India
Disclaimer:
The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance or actions, please consult a legal professional.