Anwarulhaq Baig
New Delhi: The Indian Muslims for Civil Rights (IMCR) has held a significant conference at the Ghalib Institute in New Delhi, where prominent figures from across the country gathered to denounce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The speakers and audience, including MPs, religious and political leaders, and legal experts from 22 states, unanimously passed a resolution rejecting the bill as unconstitutional and a threat to Waqf properties and Muslim rights. The attendees, including AAP MP Sanjay Singh, SP MP Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, Congress MPs Naseer Hussain and Tariq Anwar, and former Union Minister K Rahman Khan, warned of a nationwide protest similar to the farmers’ movement if the bill is not withdrawn.
JPC member and AAP MP Sanjay Singh Calls for Unified Opposition
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh has sharply criticized the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, calling it a “land grab” attempt and urging a unified front against it. Speaking at the IMCR meeting, Singh warned that the bill’s implications could extend beyond Muslim religious properties, potentially affecting lands belonging to various religious communities and marginalized groups.
Singh cautioned that if the bill is enacted, it could lead to the seizure of lands belonging to Gurdwara Committees, Church Committees, Hindu temples, and dharamshalas. He drew a parallel with the controversial transfer of 13,000 acres of army land to Adani in Ayodhya, suggesting that the bill is part of a broader agenda to take control of religious lands and distribute them to government allies.
He challenged the government’s claims about the financial potential of Waqf properties, labeling them as “a big lie.” Singh proposed that the government should first recover ₹20,000 crore from high-profile economic offenders like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya to support Waqf boards, rather than pursuing the bill. He argued, “If the government is serious about Waqf Board finances, they should focus on recovering funds from economic offenders rather than passing this bill.”
Singh also criticized the bill for undermining religious freedom and questioned the government’s commitment to effective management of religious properties. He pointed out that while the bill claims to increase Muslim women’s participation in Waqf Boards, similar principles should apply to other religious institutions, in line with Constitutional mandates under Article 26, which guarantees the right to religious management by members of the same religion.
He questioned the government’s approach by referencing Supreme Court rulings that support community management of religious institutions. Singh cited cases like the 1954 Sirur Mutt case and the 2014 Chidambaram Nataraja Temple case, arguing that these decisions affirm that religious institutions should be managed by their respective communities.
Singh criticized the use of the Sachar Committee report by the Union Government to justify the Waqf Bill, noting that the report highlights government encroachments on Waqf properties in various states. He challenged the government to address these encroachments instead of introducing new legislation.
In his conclusion, Singh called for a collective effort to oppose the bill. He urged collaboration with Sikh, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, tribal, and Dalit communities to organize a large conference in Delhi. Singh emphasized the need to protect India’s constitutional values and social harmony from divisive tactics and false propaganda.
JPC Member Syed Naseer Hussain Advocates Comprehensive Strategy Against Bill
Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain, also member of the Joint Committee of Parliament (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, has called for a comprehensive strategy to oppose the proposed legislation. Speaking at a recent IMCR conference, Hussain highlighted the efforts by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and the INDIA alliance to press for a thorough review of the bill by the JPC.
Syed Naseer Hussain criticized the claims that Waqf lands in India total “nine lakh acres,” which are equated to “one and a half Qatar” or “three Dubais.” Hussain countered these claims by pointing out that India, with the largest Muslim population in the world, estimated between 320 to 350 million, naturally has a significant number of mosques, cemeteries, and Eidgahs in its 770,000 villages, where about 80 percent of the population are Muslim residents.
Using his own village as an example, Hussain noted that there are four cemeteries, each covering between 10 to 20 acres. He estimated that even if one acre per cemetery per village is considered, the total land required for cemeteries alone could amount to around 6.5 to 7 lakh acres. Including land for Eidgahs, the total could reach approximately 13 lakh acres. He dismissed the inflated figures as part of a broader attempt to “communalize” and “polarize” the issue.
Hussain also addressed concerns about the bill’s changes, including the transfer of powers from survey commissioners to district collectors. He clarified that collectors can only manage record entries and have no authority over title cases.
Hussain also criticized the term “land jihad,” which is used to accuse Muslims of unfairly seizing land. He argued that this term is intended to create fear among other communities and misrepresent Muslims.
The MP questioned the inclusion of non-Muslims on Waqf Boards and tribunals, arguing that the government has not provided a satisfactory explanation for why non-Muslims or Hindus should be part of these boards or tribunals. He suggested that this move reflects a lack of trust in Muslim officials and judges.
In response to arguments for balanced representation, Hussain pointed out that many state endowment boards explicitly allow only Hindus to be members. He questioned why a similar principle could not apply to Waqf Boards, advocating for Muslim-only representation where appropriate. He also wondered if these measures are intended to suggest that Muslims are not trusted by either the Indian state or the general public.
“For the past six years, I have been serving as a member of the Karnataka Waqf Board,” Hussain said. “The board’s regulations clearly state that individuals involved in criminal cases or those who have unlawfully occupied property cannot be members. However, the new Waqf Bill introduces a stipulation that excludes anyone charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) from being a member.”
Hussain argued that this addition appears to specifically target Muslims, given the disproportionate application of UAPA charges to the Muslim community. He questioned why similar restrictions are not applied to Hindu endowment boards, suggesting that the UAPA clause reflects a discriminatory bias. He further asserted, “By including this UAPA clause, the government is effectively signaling that Muslims are less trustworthy, reinforcing the idea that they are second-class citizens. This is not just about administrative changes but about sending a message of mistrust and exclusion.”
The Congress MP assured that Congress is prepared for a vigorous fight against the bill, advocating for a united effort with all sections of society and Muslim organizations. He stressed the need to address misinformation about Waqf properties and counter misconceptions both in Parliament and among the public. He clarified that while the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has investigative powers and its recommendations are binding, the Joint Committee of Parliament merely gathers stakeholder inputs without binding authority. Hussain emphasized the dual approach required: challenging unacceptable amendments within Parliament and preparing for potential legal action if the bill becomes law. He called for strategic campaigning to correct public misconceptions and counter misinformation, ensuring a robust defense of constitutional values and social harmony.
SP MP Maulana Muhibullah Nadvi Calls for Resistance
In a passionate address at the IMCR conference, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, Maulana Muhibullah Nadvi, also member of the JPC, vehemently opposed the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, labeling it as an assault on religious freedom and a bid to undermine Islamic institutions.
Nadvi declared, “Whether we must protest in Parliament or at India Gate, we are prepared for either. We can endure oppression, but when it comes to Islam and our mosques, every mosque is as sacred as Al-Aqsa. We will defend them with our last breath.”
He questioned the need for the bill and warned that if the government does not withdraw it, he would make a public declaration from the Parliament mosque, drawing parallels to the historic Babri Masjid controversy. Nadvi emphasized his commitment to supporting any movement that aims to preserve religious sites, likening the struggle to the historic resistance in Palestine.
Accusing the BJP-led government of spreading misinformation, Nadvi criticized the exaggerated claims about the size and value of Waqf properties. He denounced the bill’s amendments, which impose stricter conditions on the management of Waqf properties by Muslims, as a deliberate attempt to marginalize Muslims’ role in managing their own religious assets. He criticized the new powers granted to district collectors, suggesting they could lead to further disenfranchisement of minority communities.
In a call for solidarity, Nadvi urged all communities, including Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, as well as tribal and Dalit groups, to unite against the bill. He concluded his speech by advocating for collective action and civil disobedience, affirming his party’s and supporters’ readiness to continue the fight against what he described as an unjust and unconstitutional bill.
Former MP Adeeb Criticizes Waqf Bill as Discriminatory, Warns of Resistance
Chairing the conference, Mohammad Adeeb, former Member of Parliament and Chairman of the IMCR, has denounced the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill as discriminatory and a broader attempt to undermine Muslim participation in managing Waqf properties. Adeeb argued that the bill reflects an intention to exclude Muslims from meaningful involvement and questioned its fairness. He noted that the bill has been widely rejected by political leaders, community figures, and human rights activists. “If the government pushes forward with this bill and encroaches on our Waqf properties, we are ready to resist, even if it means taking to the streets,” Adeeb declared. He expressed satisfaction that the majority of Hindus continue to stand in solidarity with Muslims, countering attempts by the BJP to sow divisions between communities. He criticized the government for failing to implement adequate measures to address property encroachment and management issues, pointing out that similar restrictions are not applied to Hindu endowment boards. Adeeb also highlighted ongoing management issues and injustices related to Waqf properties, arguing that the bill’s selective regulations exacerbate existing disputes and unfairness.
Former Minister K. Rahman Khan says bill undermines progress achieved in earlier reforms
Former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman and Union Minister K. Rahman Khan has condemned the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, describing it as a threat to the protection and management of Waqf properties. Khan, who led the JPC responsible for previous Waqf Act amendments in 1995 and 2013, argued that the current bill undermines the progress achieved in those earlier reforms.
Khan expressed concern over the bill’s provision to replace Survey Commissioners with district collectors, suggesting this change would complicate property management. He explained that Survey Commissioners, as independent officials, managed Waqf properties efficiently in a single location, while district collectors, requiring coordination across multiple regions, could lead to increased workload and delays.
He also criticized the bill’s requirement that Waqf Board members must have practiced Islam for at least five years. Khan deemed this restriction both shocking and unnecessary, questioning why it applies solely to Muslims when similar conditions are not imposed on Hindu endowment boards.
Khan highlighted the significant improvements brought by the Waqf Amendment Act of 2013, which strengthened Waqf property management and protection. He noted that the previous amendments incorporated extensive feedback from stakeholders, including BJP members, to create robust regulations.
He highlighted that even in the BJP’s 2009 election manifesto, his report, known as the K. Rahman Khan Committee Report, was praised and the BJP had pledged to implement its recommendations if they came to power.
Regarding women’s representation on Waqf Boards, Khan pointed out that the 1995 Act already mandates the inclusion of two women members on each board, a provision that is currently in place.
He also reflected on his initiative to establish the National Waqf Development Corporation, a key recommendation from both the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Waqf and the Sachar Committee. This corporation, designed to develop Waqf properties for income generation, was set up with an initial capital of Rs. 500 crore and inaugurated in January 2013. However, Khan criticized the BJP-led government for neglecting the corporation after the Congress-led UPA government lost power in 2014, resulting in no significant progress over the past decade.
In response to claims that Waqf boards arbitrarily declare properties as Waqf, Khan clarified that the process involves rigorous scrutiny, including detailed inquiries, tribunal reviews, and appeals. Khan cited a specific example from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where a dargah was donated 5,000 acres of land centuries ago. Despite the government claiming control over this land, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board, affirming that the land rightfully belongs to the dargah.
Khan concluded by urging the rejection of the Waqf Amendment Bill , asserting that it is unconstitutional and aims to facilitate the encroachment of Waqf properties.
Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Sayeed Condemns Waqf Bill Amendments
Lakshadweep MP Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed has vocally opposed the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, asserting that Waqf properties are not personal assets of the government or any individual. Sayeed emphasized that any changes impacting the status of these properties are unacceptable and pledged collective resistance from all concerned parties.
Addressing the amendments, Sayeed highlighted the unified stance of both legal and political communities against any interference with mosques and Waqf properties. “Our position is clear: there should be no encroachment, coercion, or intervention in our mosques or Waqf properties. We are committed to democratic protest against these changes,” Sayeed stated.
He advocated for a strategic response to the current bill, proposing a multi-faceted approach that includes both protests and alternative methods to exert pressure on the government.
Sayeed criticized the bill’s provision for including two non-Muslim members on Waqf boards, arguing that it undermines Muslim representation. He suggested that similar inclusions should be considered for Hindu endowment boards to ensure fairness. “If the government insists on such measures, they should apply them to Hindu endowment boards as well,” Sayeed said.
“We must demonstrate our resistance clearly and forcefully. Our goal is to prevent any government intervention in our Waqf properties and to safeguard our community’s rights,” he concluded.
AIMPLB General Secretary Condemns Waqf Amendment Bill
Maulana Mujadidi, General Secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), has strongly criticized the Waqf Amendment Bill, denouncing it as unacceptable and demanding its immediate withdrawal. Speaking on behalf of all Indian Muslim organisations, Mujadidi condemned the bill as a violation of their rights and an example of social injustice.
Mujadidi argued that the bill fails to align with the government’s claims of promoting inclusive development, instead marginalizing Muslims and undermining their interests. He emphasized that the AIMPLB and other major Muslim organizations have thoroughly reviewed and rejected the bill on legal grounds. He urged Members of Parliament to support the demand for its retraction, drawing parallels to previous legislative reversals and stressing the importance of social justice for the stability and legitimacy of any government. Mujadidi warned that the persistence of social injustice could threaten the government’s longevity and called for immediate corrective action.
AIMPLB Spokesperson Dr. SQR Ilyas Warns of Nationwide Protest
Dr. SQR Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB and leader of the Welfare Party of India (WPI), has condemned the latest amendments to the Waqf Act, calling them an unjustified attack on Waqf properties. Speaking at the IMCR conference, Dr. Ilyas warned that if the bill is passed in Parliament, it will trigger a nationwide movement. “If this bill is passed despite our protests, we will launch an all-India movement. The entire community will take to the streets to oppose it. We will use every democratic means available to fight this bill,” he declared.
Dr. Ilyas rejected the narrative that Waqf properties are government assets and dismissed claims that their value is increasing disproportionately. He described the idea that Waqf properties are excessively growing as “baseless propaganda,” asserting that these properties were established by ancestors for religious and charitable purposes. “Waqf properties are not the government’s to manage. They were established for religious and charitable purposes by our forebears,” he said.
Dr. Ilyas argued that the increase in Waqf properties, such as mosques and burial grounds, mirrors the growth of temples and gurdwaras in India and is a religious phenomenon, not a Muslim-specific issue. He criticized misleading portrayals by some intellectuals who attempt to find positives in government proposals like the Uniform Civil Code or the Waqf Bill, urging the community not to be deceived by such narratives. He charged that the bill’s amendments are meticulously designed to facilitate the appropriation of Waqf properties. “The government has deliberately structured each clause of this bill to enable the takeover of Waqf properties,” he said.
Dr. Ilyas criticized government claims of improving Waqf property management, arguing that previous amendments aimed to strengthen it, while the current bill seeks to weaken it. He cited past instances of Waqf property appropriation, referencing cases in Telangana and Delhi. “The bill is a major setback, aiming to dismantle and undermine Waqf institutions which have been historically strengthened through legislation from 1954 to 2013,” he said. He reiterated the AIMPLB’s stance that the bill should be entirely rejected, asserting, “This bill is a clear attempt to undermine Waqf properties and the Muslim community.”
JIH official Inamurrahman Criticizes Waqf Bill
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Assistant Secretary Inamurrahman has expressed strong opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill, aligning with the AIMPLB’s stance. He emphasized that JIH’s opposition is based on legal and practical concerns regarding the bill’s impact on Waqf properties and Islamic endowments. “The bill fundamentally undermines our basic rights and threatens the integrity of Waqf properties, creating severe problems for Islamic endowments,” Inamurrahman stated. He vowed to counter the misconceptions and anti-Waqf propaganda currently being circulated.
Inamurrahman highlighted several issues with the government’s handling of Waqf matters, noting that the Central Waqf Council, which is supposed to oversee changes to Waqf laws, has not been operational for over a year and a half. “The government has failed to reconstitute the Central Waqf Council despite promises made in the Rajya Sabha. The council’s tenure has been reduced from five years to one year, undermining its effectiveness,” he said.
He criticized the dissolution of the Delhi State Waqf Board over a year ago, despite ongoing issues with Waqf properties in the region. He pointed out that the Home Secretary, who is also the head of the Delhi Religious Committee responsible for controversial demolition orders against Waqf properties, has been appointed as the administrator of the Delhi Waqf Board. Inamurrahman decried this as a blatant conflict of interest. “It is problematic that the administrator of the Delhi Waqf Board and the secretary of the Central Waqf Council are both non-Muslims, given their roles in decisions affecting Waqf properties,” he said.
Inamurrahman asserted that a thorough review of the bill’s amendments reveals a deliberate agenda to seize and confiscate Waqf lands. “JIH plans to present its arguments and concerns both in public forums and before the JPC to challenge the bill’s provisions,” he added.
Other Leaders, Scholars, and Officials Criticize Waqf Amendment Bill
At the IMCR meeting, several other prominent figures also voiced strong opposition to the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, urging the government to withdraw it and drawing comparisons to the controversial farm laws that were repealed after widespread protests.
Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, SP MP from Sambhal, asserted that the government should retract the bill just as it did with the farmers’ legislation. He argued that the bill discriminates against Muslims and reflects the Union government’s misguided intentions.
Former IAS Officer Haseeb Ahmed condemned the proposed amendments as misleading and harmful. He contended that rather than empowering Waqf Boards, the amendments weaken their ability to protect Waqf properties and dismantle the existing framework, potentially facilitating the expropriation of Waqf assets nationwide.
Former Patna High Court Judge Justice Iqbal Ansari criticized the government for perceiving dissent as disloyalty and failing to grasp the essence of democracy.
Supreme Court Lawyer Mahmood Pracha dismissed the JPC as ineffective and eyewash, emphasizing that the fight against the bill must extend to the streets and involve people from other religions.
Other notable speakers included Congress MP Tariq Anwar, social activist Syeda Hameed, Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, Advocate Z.K. Faizan, Maulana Abu Talib Rahmani, former UP Minister Naseem Ahmed Siddiqi, Dr. Zafar Mahmood, Bihar MLC Dr. Khalid Anwar , Javed Iqbal, and Sajid Peerwala. Dr. Azam Baig presided over the meeting.
The participants unanimously passed the following resolutions:
1.The meeting condemned the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 as undemocratic and unconstitutional, demanding its immediate withdrawal. .
2. The meeting expressed concern that the bill, developed without input from Muslim leaders, aims to strip Muslims of their Waqf properties, endangering their legal and religious status.
3. A committee was proposed to engage with various political, social, and religious figures to address the bill. Former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan was suggested as the chairperson.
4. The meeting warned the government that if the bill is not withdrawn, there will be a nationwide movement involving both Muslim and non-Muslim allies.