The Waqf Act, which governs the management of charitable and religious endowments, is undergoing major amendments that could have serious consequences for the Muslim community. The bill is drafted without proper consultation with stakeholders, and changes the definition of Waqf, which is not within legislative domain.

The following 10- Key Proposed Amendments of The Waqf (Amendments) Bill 2024 are Highly Objectionable:

1. The bill seeks to create divisions within the Muslim community, contradicting the Holy Quran which states all Muslims are one. The governance of Waqf should be common under Muslim law. This is seen as a divisive policy of the ruling government.
2. It is proposed to discontinue the practice of oral succession of Mutawalliship, which is a long-standing tradition and the government's interference in this is not acceptable.
3. The bill proposes a five-year practice requirement for Muslims to be able to donate a property to Waqf. This raises questions about who will certify a practicing Muslim. The provision is absurd.
4. The inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Waqf board is not appropriate as it is religious affair.
5. ⁠The removal of requirement for the CEO to be a Muslim is seen as an attempt to reduce the autonomy of the Waqf Board. 
6. The introduction of Collector Raj limits the independence of Waqf Boards. The proposed changes would give district collectors too much control over Waqf Boards. Giving collectors the power to enforce rules and make questionable decisions is not acceptable. 
7. Adding a government representative to the Tribunal could affect its fairness and independence. This also removes the final say of the Waqf Tribunal, making decisions less certain.  Furthermore, extending dispute periods and removing final judicial decisions could lead to endless and speculative legal battles.
8. The government’s mandate to review property listings as Waqf opens the door for people with suspicious financial records to challenge these properties. Additionally, requiring detailed Waqf deeds and registration makes it harder to set up and protect Waqf properties.
9. ⁠Strict rules for recovering Waqf properties make it hard to protect them and could help people trying to illegally take land. Removing rules related to evacuee properties also lets the government take control of Waqf properties, giving it more power.
10. Insertion of New Sections 3A, 3B, and 3C and removal of 3(r). And Amendment of Section 4 allow the government to take over any property, declaring it as government property, thus undermining the Waqf Act.

Find the complete bill on the link attached:

THE WAQF (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024

RAISE YOUR VOICE FOR PROTECTION WAQF LAND & THE WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY. SIGN AND SHARE THIS PETITION TO REJECT THE ACT.