The Joint Committee of Parliament examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill submitted its report to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on January 30, 2025. The report was handed over by the panel’s chairperson, Jagdambika Pal, who met Birla at his Parliament House office.
On January 29, 2025, the committee adopted the report after a 15-11 majority vote, incorporating changes proposed by ruling BJP members. This move has sparked criticism from the opposition, which has labeled the process as an attempt to undermine Waqf boards. In response, opposition members filed dissent notes, asserting that the bill could infringe on the constitutional rights of the Muslim community and interfere with the independence of Waqf boards.
Meanwhile, BJP members defended the bill, arguing that it aims to bring modernity, transparency, and accountability to the management of Waqf properties. The bill was first introduced in the Lok Sabha in August 2024.
