The board said that the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 was cannily crafted to usurp the waqf properties spread throughout the country.
Published Nov 25, 2024 | 1:04 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 25, 2024 | 1:04 PM
All India Muslim Personal Law Board's 29th convention in Bengaluru. (X)
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB)’s 29th convention on Sunday, 25 November, in Bengaluru opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and said it would legally fight against the bill.
The convention also re-elected Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani as their president for the term 2024–2026. According to a press release by the board, the president-elect appointed the office bearers for the new tenure.
The meeting assumed significance since the winter session of the Parliament is expected to table the Joint Parliamentary Committe (JPC) report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and pass it to make it legislation.
One of the more controversial proposals of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the management of waqf properties.
The board’s release said the convention was of the view that the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 was cannily crafted to usurp the waqf properties spread throughout the country.
“All the proposed 44 amendments and their subsections were perceived as an attempt to destroy and manipulate the status of waqf properties. Unfortunately, the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which was formed to seek suggestions from stakeholders, is giving time and attention to those with no locus standi on the issue and is behaving in a partisan way, violating rules and norms,” the press release said.
It said that a delegation of AIMPLB met the full committee and presented its objections to the bill. The delegation also submitted a detailed document based on its study.
It added that based on the board’s suggestion, around 3.66 crore Muslims rejected the bill using the QR code.
“Apart from this, other Muslim groups also submitted their opinions separately. Therefore, almost five crore Muslims rejected the bill in totality. In a democracy like India, this is a substantial number, and hence no sensible government should overlook this,” it said.
It said that despite the board’s leadership urging NDA partners and Opposition parties, the bill was taken forward and added that it “would exhaust all available legal, constitutional, and democratic means to pressure the government to withdraw the amendments”.
The Board’s leadership met opposition parties, including NDA partners, and requested them to reject the bill completely.
“Despite all these efforts, if the bill is passed, the Board announced it would exhaust all available legal, constitutional, and democratic means to pressure the government to withdraw the amendments,” it said.
The AIMPLB also addressed some other issues concerning the Muslim fraternity.
It said the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was unacceptable as it was against freedom of religion and cultural diversities, enshrined in the Constitution under fundamental rights.
“The Board stated unequivocally that UCC is unacceptable to Muslims as they will never compromise with Sharia Law (Muslim Personal Law),” it said.
“It added that the Legislature of the country itself has approved the Shariat Application Act, 1937, and the Constitution of India has declared it a fundamental right under Article 25 to profess, propagate, and practice religion. Therefore, tampering with these laws and replacing them with secular ones negates the freedom of religion and is an imitation of the West,” the release added.
The Board proclaimed that UCC is a threat to:
It also highlighted the importance of upholding the Places of Worship Act of 1991, which retains the religious character of places as they existed on the day India attained independence.
“If this act is not enforced strictly, it will lead to disturbances and violence across the country,” it said.
Further, the Board expressed grave concern over recurring incidents of derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad.
It demanded that the government take strict action and introduce a blasphemy law to penalise insults to all sacred personalities irrespective of religion.
The board also expressed deep concern about the ongoing “genocide” in Gaza and Lebanon demanded that Israel immediately stop its inhumane activities and called for the withdrawal of all Israeli troops. It emphasised the importance of a two-state solution.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
