India Tomorrow
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly opposed any proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 2013, that could alter the nature of waqf properties or facilitate their takeover by the government or private individuals. The Board firmly stated that any attempts to diminish the powers of Waqf boards or alter the status of waqf properties will not be accepted.
The AIMPLB is the umbrella body of all the Muslim organizations in India.
Dr. S. Q. R. Ilyas, the spokesperson for the AIMPLB, in a press statement, expressed concern over reports that the Government of India is planning approximately 40 amendments to the Waqf Act, 2013. These changes, he warned, could make it easier for the government to take control of waqf properties. According to media reports, a Bill containing these amendments may be introduced in Parliament next week.
Dr. Ilyas emphasized that waqf properties are charitable donations made by Muslim philanthropists for religious and charitable purposes. The government’s role, as outlined in the Waqf Act, is merely to regulate these properties, not to alter their status. He reminded that both the Waqf Act and the waqf properties are protected under the Constitution of India and the Shariat Application Act, 1937, making it unconstitutional for the government to implement changes that would affect the essence of these properties.
He also criticized the Modi government’s past actions concerning the Muslim community, citing the closure of the Maulana Azad Foundation, restrictions on minority scholarships, and the criminalization of triple talaq as examples where Muslims have faced losses. Dr. Ilyas expressed concern that, if these changes to the Waqf Act proceed, other religious communities, such as Sikhs, Christians, and Hindus, might also see their religious properties targeted in the future.
The AIMPLB made it clear that Muslims would not accept any amendments that undermine the Waqf Act or diminish the authority of Waqf Boards. Dr. Ilyas called on the NDA allies and opposition parties to reject any such proposals in Parliament.
Furthermore, the Board urged Muslims and their associated religious and community organizations to unite in opposition to what it described as a harmful initiative by the government. The AIMPLB vowed to use all available legal and democratic avenues to resist these proposed changes.
