What are the changes proposed to the Waqf bill by JPC, now cleared by the cabinet?
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has cleared all 14 amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, as proposed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The Bill, introduced in August last year to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, is expected to be tabled in Parliament during the second half of the Budget session starting on 10 March.
The Bill seeks to regulate waqf properties and settle disputes regarding them, granting the government greater oversight. Following criticism from the Opposition, it was referred to a JPC, which, on 27 January, approved amendments proposed by the BJP and its allies while rejecting 44 amendments from the Opposition.
Key amendments approved
Extension for registration: The Bill initially mandated that all waqfs and waqf properties be registered on a central portal within six months. The JPC has now allowed the Waqf Tribunal to extend this deadline in select cases if the mutawalli provides a valid reason for the delay.
Legal proceedings allowed: Previously, unregistered waqfs would lose the right to initiate legal proceedings regarding property disputes. An amendment now permits courts to accept cases if the waqf submits an affidavit explaining the delay in registration.
Role of District Collector modified: The 2024 Bill originally gave the District Collector powers to determine if a property belonged to the government or a waqf. The JPC has replaced the collector with a senior state government officer, termed a “designated officer,” to handle such disputes.
Changes in Waqf Boards: The Bill had proposed allowing non-Muslim officials and members in state waqf boards. The JPC has modified this to require a Joint Secretary-level officer dealing with waqf matters to be part of the board.
Legal expertise in Waqf Tribunal: An amendment mandates that the Waqf Tribunal must include a member with knowledge of Muslim law and jurisprudence.
The proposed changes have sparked debates, with critics arguing that the amendments still grant excessive government control over waqf properties. The Bill is likely to face further scrutiny when presented in Parliament.
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Man killed in flat ceiling plaster crash, wife and son hurt
Thane (PTI): A 45-year-old man was killed, and his wife and son were injured when a portion of plaster from the ceiling collapsed in their flat in a seven-storey building in Thane on Saturday, officials said.
Chief of the Regional Disaster Management Cell, Yasin Tadvi, said the 16-year-old building is not listed in the "dangerous" category.
"The incident occurred in Karumdev Society at about 3 am. The plaster of the hall in a flat on the terrace floor suddenly fell while the occupants were asleep", he said.
Of the four people who were inside the room, two suffered minor injuries and were discharged after primary treatment, Tadvi stated.
The injured persons were identified as Arpita More (42), who suffered minor head injuries, and her son Arush More (16), who sustained injuries to both legs.
Manoj More (45), who sustained chest injuries, died during treatment at a private hospital.
