JPC Report on Waqf Amendment Bill Tabled in Lok Sabha: Key Amendments and Opposition’s Protest

New Delhi, February 13, 2025 The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Thursday tabled its report on the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, sparking intense political debate. The report, presented by JPC Chairman and BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, has already led to uproar in both Houses of Parliament, with the Opposition raising strong objections over the alleged removal of dissenting notes.

The Rajya Sabha witnessed heated exchanges earlier in the day when the report was tabled there, as Opposition members accused the government of tampering with parliamentary procedures by excluding critical dissent notes. The Congress, however, denied these claims, asserting that no notes have been redacted from the final report.

Key Amendments in the Waqf Amendment Bill

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 seeks to revise existing regulations governing Waqf properties in India, with the government emphasizing transparency, efficient management, and legal clarity.

Major Amendments Proposed in the Bill:

Greater Government Oversight Strengthens state and central government supervision over Waqf properties, ensuring accountability and transparency in their management.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism Establishes special Waqf tribunals to expedite conflict resolution related to property ownership and management disputes.
Stricter Compliance Measures Introduces mandatory registration of all Waqf properties with detailed documentation to prevent unauthorized transfers or encroachments.
Empowered Waqf Boards Grants Waqf Boards more administrative and financial autonomy to enhance their role in property management and community welfare projects.

The government argues that these amendments are necessary to modernize Waqf administration, prevent misuse, and align with broader land reform policies.

Why is the Opposition Protesting?

While the ruling BJP has defended the bill as a necessary reform, Opposition parties have voiced strong concerns, alleging that the amendments:

Weaken the autonomy of Waqf Boards by increasing government control.
Alter key legal protections for religious endowments and minority institutions.
Risk politicization of Waqf property management, potentially leading to conflicts and legal challenges.

The Allegations Over ‘Dissent Notes’

The most contentious issue surrounding the JPC report is the Opposition’s claim that dissent notes from members opposing key provisions of the bill were removed before the report was tabled.

Opposition’s Charge: Congress and other opposition parties have accused the JPC of suppressing their objections, thereby presenting a one-sided version of the committee’s findings.
Government’s Defense: BJP leaders, including JPC Chairman Jagadambika Pal, dismissed the allegations, stating that the report followed standard parliamentary procedures and that no dissenting views were excluded.
Congress’ Clarification: The Congress officially refuted claims of redaction, stating that dissent notes were included as per parliamentary norms.

Despite these reassurances, Opposition members staged protests in Parliament, calling for a full-fledged debate on the bill before its passage.

What’s Next for the Waqf Amendment Bill?

The bill is expected to face strong resistance in the Rajya Sabha, where the Opposition is likely to demand further revisions or attempt to stall its progress.

Potential Scenarios Moving Forward:
Debate & Amendments The government may introduce modifications to address concerns and secure broader support.
Opposition Pushback Protests could intensify, potentially leading to delays in the legislative process.
Judicial Challenges If passed without consensus, the bill may face legal challenges questioning its constitutionality.