BENGALURU, Mar 19: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution rejecting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, with Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil leading the opposition against the proposed amendments.
The House urged the central government to withdraw the Bill, citing concerns over its impact on Karnataka’s secular ethos and inclusive governance.
Patil stated that the amendments proposed in the Bill do not reflect the aspirations of the people of Karnataka and contradict the state’s longstanding commitment to secularism.
“This Act does not reflect the aspirations of all sections of society,” Patil said. “The House has unanimously rejected this amendment, as it goes against the values of inclusivity and secularism. We urge the central government to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.”
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to introduce significant changes to the Waqf Act of 1995, which governs Waqf properties across India. The key provisions of the Bill include digitisation of records, enhanced audits for improved transparency, and stronger measures to reclaim encroached Waqf properties.
While the Bill aims to address issues of mismanagement and corruption in Waqf institutions, critics argue that it does not adequately consider the concerns of affected communities.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has expressed strong opposition to the Bill, contending that it overlooks the interests of minority communities and may lead to increased government interference in Waqf affairs.
The Waqf Act of 1995 has faced criticism over the years for issues related to encroachments and mismanagement. While the 2024 amendment aims to introduce reforms, the Karnataka Assembly’s opposition underscores the ongoing debate about how best to balance transparency with the rights of religious communities.
(UNI)
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