Waqf Amendment Bill : Live Updates From Lok Sabha

Gaurav Gogoi (INC) says the Bill is an attack on the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. He adds the Gov wants to dilute the Constitution, defame the minorities, divide the society and disenfranchise the minority community.

Rijiju says the Bill makes Waqf Tribunal's order appealable to the High Court.

Rijiju says the 1963 Limitation Act will be applicable on waqf properties on commencement of the Amednment Act.

Rijiju refers to the Munambam issue in Kerala, says lands of about 600 Christian families have been claimed as Waqf.

Bill removes Section 40 from the Waqf Act which empowered the Waqf Board to claim any property as a Waqf land. This provision was being misused as lot. Several issues have been created by the misuse of Section 40. In Kerala, the Catholic church is also supporting the bill because many properties of ordinary Christians have been claimed as Waqf land : Rijiju

Waqf Amendment Bill is prospective, not retrospective: Kiren Rijiju.

Rijiju says the Bill proposes that a person who has professed Islam for at least 5 years can declare a waqf. He adds that they have tried to make it secular by adding non-Muslim members, Shia, Sunni members, women members, etc.

Rijiju says that in 2013, before the election code of conduct was about to apply, the UPA transferred 123 properties to waqf board to garner votes but they were ultimately defeated.

Rijiju says the Government is not trying to interfere with any religious institution. He adds there is no attempt made at trying to acquire any waqf land, etc.

Rijiju says the waqf board does not manage the waqf properties as they claim.