A group of MPs, including Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, has urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to extend the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The MPs emphasized that the committee’s current three-month tenure is insufficient to address the complex and extensive legislative changes proposed in the bill. Highlighting the participation of only a limited number of stakeholders so far, the letter noted that key states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi have yet to present their views. The MPs argued that a rushed deliberation could lead to inadequate recommendations and called for a more inclusive process to ensure proper consultation.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in Parliament in August, has been a contentious topic, sparking debates among Muslim organizations and opposition parties. The bill seeks to centralize the registration of Waqf properties through a unified portal and proposes renaming the Waqf Act of 1995 to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act. The legislation aims to streamline processes and enhance transparency but has faced criticism for potential issues, including language barriers and centralization concerns. The JPC, formed to review the bill, has held 25 meetings so far, with several organizations and individuals yet to present their inputs.

In response to the MPs’ request, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla assured that he would review the matter and consider the extension of the committee’s tenure. This development is crucial as the Waqf Bill involves significant reforms that could impact a large section of the population. As the parliamentary discussions continue, stakeholders await clarity on the committee’s next steps and the broader implications of the proposed amendments.