About Waqf Board amendment bill 2024

The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 proposes around 40 revisions to the present Waqf Act of 1995. The bill is known as the amendment bill because it aims to change the current act. This bill aims to improve the management of Waqf properties.

The major goal of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 is to increase accountability, openness, and inclusivity in the Waqf system. To become law, it must be passed by both houses of the Indian Parliament and obtain presidential approval.

About Waqf board Act

The Waqf Board Act was first passed in 1954 and was later replaced by the Waqf Act of 1995. The Waqf Board Act establishes a statutory framework for Waqf properties in India. Waqf properties are those that have been donated for religious or charitable reasons under Islamic law.

The Waqf Boards Act includes procedures for managing and designating properties as Waqf, as well as establishing a Central Waqf Council for oversight. The statute seeks to protect the Muslim community’s interests by ensuring that Waqf properties are used for charitable and religious purposes.

However, various difficulties have arisen over the years regarding a lack of openness, as evidenced by the 2022 Tamil Nadu Waqf Board case. The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 attempts to propose necessary modifications to increase its performance and make the makeup of boards more inclusive.

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What are the Waqf Act’s proposed amendments?

The cabinet has reviewed approximately 40 adjustments that will be implemented through the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024. These revisions attempt to limit the considerable powers previously possessed by Waqf Boards, resulting in a more regulated environment. Here are some of the important revisions proposed in the bill:

• Waqf formation is limited to those who have practiced Islam for at least five years and own property. It eliminates the user’s waqf and assures that waqf-alal-aulad does not limit inheritance rights to any successor, including women.
• Waqf property: Government property that has been classified as waqf shall no longer be considered as such. If it is confirmed as government property, the local Collector will address ownership difficulties, make a report to the state government, and amend revenue records.
• Verification of Properties: The measure authorizes collectors to conduct Waqf surveys in accordance with state revenue laws. It also takes away the Waqf Board’s ability to determine whether a property is a waqf.
• Women and Non-Muslims: The suggested modifications advocate for the appointment of two non-Muslims to the Central Waqf Council. The bill proposes nominated members for Waqf boards, with one member from the Bohra and Agakhani communities and two women.
• Appeals to Tribunal Orders: The Bill repeals the rule that Tribunal decisions are final and non-appealable. Tribunal orders can now be appealed to the High Court within 90 days, either on the High Court’s own initiative or through an application filed by the Board or an aggrieved party.

Implications of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024

The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 has significant consequences for Waqf property management. For starters, it attempts to prevent mismanagement and ensure that waqf properties are used for their original purposes. Second, the bill is likely to make it easier to resolve property disputes, which will benefit all stakeholders.

The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 aims to enforce stronger restrictions in order to:

• Increase the level of transparency in Waqf asset management.
• Clarify the concept of Waqf properties by indicating that government properties would not be classified as Waqf.
• Remove oral declarations from the Waqf property classification system.
• Prevent property misuse by ensuring adequate verification protocols are followed.