MP Syed Naseer Hussain expressed concerns over the bill’s potential to interfere with the autonomy of religious institutions.
New Delhi: The Waqf Amendment Bill, which aims to reform the management of Waqf properties in India, has sparked intense debate in Parliament, with political leaders voicing strong opinions on both its need for reform and the potential risks to religious autonomy.
At the Law and Constitution dialogue organised by iTV Network at The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi, on Friday, several parliamentarians and experts shared their opinion on the matter and discussed the challenges and opportunities.
Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain expressed concerns over the bill’s potential to interfere with the autonomy of religious institutions. He also argued that although bringing in reforms is necessary, he added that amendments should not infringe upon the rights of the Muslim community to manage their Waqf properties. He also emphasised the importance of preserving the cultural and religious significance of these assets, cautioning that excessive government interference could undermine the community’s control.
In contrast, Advocate Ashwini Upadhyaya supported the bill and called for stringent reforms to address the widespread mismanagement and corruption within the Waqf institutions. Upadhyaya argued that Waqf properties have long been underutilised, and greater accountability and transparency are essential to prevent their exploitation. He also pushed for government oversight to ensure that these assets are used effectively for the welfare of society, particularly for education and social services.
Senior BJP leader and former Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, in his address, supported the reforms but stressed that they should not compromise the religious and cultural heritage of Waqf properties.
He highlighted that the aim should be to modernise governance while ensuring that Waqf resources benefit marginalised communities.
Meanwhile, another senior Congress leader and former external affairs minister, Salman Khurshid, acknowledged the challenges of mismanagement but urged that the bill should not undermine the role of Waqf properties in community welfare.
He also warned against excessive government control, advocating for reforms that respect the religious rights of the community while improving governance to maximise the social impact of these assets.
As the debate unfolds, the Waqf Amendment Bill remains at the center of discussions about religious rights, governance, and social welfare in India. The outcome of this legislation will likely shape the future of Waqf property management, balancing the need for reform with respect for religious traditions.