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Telangana Waqf Board Rejects Waqf Amend Bill
Hyderabad: In a significant move, the Telangana Waqf Board unanimously opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, labeling it a retrograde measure aimed at targeting the Muslim community and Waqf institutions. The Board’s decision was made during a meeting presided over by Chairman Syed Azmatullah Husseni, with key members in attendance, including Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi. The Board resolved to reject the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, citing concerns over the bill’s intentions and potential impact.
Owaisi Praises State Government’s Opposition
During the meeting, Asaduddin Owaisi emphasized that the Telangana State Waqf Board is the first in the country to stand against the “unconstitutional” Waqf Amendment Bill. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for his unwavering support in opposing the Bill. Owaisi’s endorsement highlights the growing concern among political leaders and the community regarding the implications of the proposed legislation.
Bill Viewed as Targeting Muslim Community
The Telangana Waqf Board firmly believes that the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 is a deliberate attempt to undermine the Muslim community and Waqf institutions. The Board condemned what it perceives as a divisive agenda being advanced through the controversial bill. Members expressed their concern that the bill seeks to erode the autonomy of Waqf institutions and place them under the control of government authorities, which could lead to the mismanagement and misappropriation of Waqf properties Telangana Waqf Board Rejects Waqf Amend Bill.
Commitment to Presenting Evidence
The Waqf Board resolved to take proactive steps in opposing the bill by meeting with the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill. The Board plans to present the necessary documents and data to support its stance against the bill. Furthermore, it intends to collaborate with other Waqf Boards across states governed by non-BJP parties, encouraging them to join in the opposition to the proposed amendments Telangana Waqf Board Rejects Waqf Amend Bill.
Thorough Review of the Bill
According to a statement released after the meeting, the Telangana Waqf Board meticulously examined the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, reviewing it clause by clause. Legal experts and administrators were consulted to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the bill’s provisions. The Board concluded that the bill poses Telangana Waqf Board Rejects Waqf Amend Bill significant harm to the structure and autonomy of Waqf institutions, leading to a resolution to reject the amendments outright.
Concerns Over Autonomy and Control
The Board’s resolution highlighted that the proposed bill appears to be designed with a specific mindset that aims to destroy the autonomy of the Waqf Board and the Waqf institution itself. One of the primary concerns is the bill’s provision that could place Waqf properties under the total control of government Collectors. These Collectors would have the authority to claim and determine any Waqf property as government property, effectively undermining the role of Mutawallis (custodians) and compelling them to comply with government directives.
Impact on Waqf Council and Board Structure
The resolution further pointed out that the bill would weaken the Waqf Council and Waqf Board by making them largely nominated bodies, with the introduction of two non-Muslim members and Telangana Waqf Board Rejects Waqf Amend Bill. This change raises the possibility of the Waqf Council and Board becoming dominated by non-Muslim members, which could lead to decisions that do not align with the interests of the Muslim community.
Violation of Federal Governance Principles
Another critical concern raised by the Telangana Waqf Board is the bill’s potential violation of federal governance principles. The proposed legislation seeks to exclude the role of state governments from the administration of Waqf affairs, instead centralizing rule-making power and control within the Central government. This shift in governance could result in the erosion of state autonomy and diminish the role of local authorities in managing Waqf institutions.
Potential for Communal Discrimination
The Waqf Board also expressed alarm over provisions in the bill that could perpetuate communal discrimination. The Board noted that several clauses in the Waqf Amendment Bill are in stark contrast to the provisions of the Hindu Endowment Act, potentially leading to unequal treatment of religious communities. This concern is compounded by the perception that the bill infringes upon constitutional rights, particularly Articles 14, 19, 21, 25, and 300-A, which guarantee equality, freedom of religion, and the right to property. Telangana Waqf Board Rejects Waqf Amend Bill
Call to Uphold Constitutional Rights
The Telangana Waqf Board’s resolution emphasized that the bill interferes with the freedom of religion and the right to property, as it introduces discriminatory practices that restrict a Muslim’s ability to manage their property without certification of their religious practices. The Board’s opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill is rooted in a commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of the Muslim community and preserving the integrity of Waqf institutions.
Additionally, the resolution expressed alarm over the bill’s potential to dismantle the existing structure of the Waqf Council and Waqf Board by making them predominantly nominated bodies, including the introduction of two non-Muslim members. This could eventually lead to non-Muslim domination of these institutions, which would conflict with their purpose and governance.
The Board also criticized the bill for violating the principles of federal governance by seeking to remove the role of state governments from Waqf administration and centralizing control under the Central government. This shift could erode the autonomy of state-level Waqf Boards and undermine their ability to manage Waqf affairs effectively.
Furthermore, the Telangana Waqf Board warned that the proposed bill perpetuates communal discrimination, as several of its provisions are in direct contrast with those of the Hindu Endowment Act. The meeting concluded that the bill infringes upon Articles 14, 19, 21, 25, and 300-A of the Constitution of India, which protect equality, freedom of religion, and the right to property. The Board specifically highlighted that the bill imposes restrictions on Muslims’ ability to manage their property, requiring certification of religious practice for five years, which it views as an infringement on personal and religious freedoms towards Telangana Waqf Board Rejects Waqf Amend Bill.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is based on publicly available information and statements made by the Telangana Waqf Board Rejects Waqf Amend Bill. The views expressed are those of the Board and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the author or publication. The content is intended for informational purposes only .
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