Hyderabad: The Telangana State Waqf Board has become the first in the country to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The board unanimously rejected the Bill during a meeting on Monday, stating that it is a step backward and targets the Muslim community and Waqf institutions.
The meeting was chaired by the Board’s Chairman, Syed Azmatullah Hussani, and was attended by seven members, including Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi. The board strongly condemned the proposed amendments and called them divisive. It also decided to present documents and data to the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill. Additionally, the board resolved to meet with the leaders of Waqf Boards in states governed by non-BJP parties.
Asaduddin Owaisi highlighted that the Telangana Waqf Board is the first to oppose what he described as an “unconstitutional” Bill. He expressed gratitude to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for his support in opposing the legislation.
During the meeting, the board meticulously reviewed the proposed Bill, analyzing it clause by clause. They also consulted legal experts and administrators to discuss the implications of the changes.
The board stated that the Bill appears to be designed with the intent of destroying the autonomy of the Waqf Board. One major concern is that the Bill would place Waqf properties under the control of government collectors, who could then declare any Waqf property as government property. The board believes this would severely undermine the role of Mutawallis (custodians), as they would be required to comply with the collectors’ directives.
Another significant concern raised by the board is that the proposed Bill would change the structure of the Waqf Council and Waqf Board by introducing non-Muslim members and making them nominated positions. The board fears that this could eventually lead to the council and board being dominated by non-Muslims.
The Telangana Waqf Board also pointed out that the Bill promotes communal discrimination. They noted that several provisions in the Bill are in stark contrast to those in the Hindu Endowment Act, which governs Hindu religious institutions.
Finally, the board argued that the Bill violates several constitutional rights, including Articles 14, 19, 21, 25, and 300-A, which protect equality, freedom of speech, religion, and property rights. The board is particularly concerned that the Bill would limit a Muslim’s ability to manage their property unless they have been certified as a practicing Muslim for five years.
