25 November, 2024; In a recent development, opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for an extension of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) tenure tasked with examining the Waqf Amendment Bill. The MPs have formally written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, emphasizing the need for additional time to ensure a comprehensive review of the bill and to allow all stakeholders to present their inputs.
The JPC, chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, has reportedly convened 25 meetings so far. While a draft report on the bill has already been prepared and circulated, opposition MPs have expressed concerns over the readiness of the draft for finalization. They have argued that more deliberation and consultation with relevant stakeholders are necessary to address the complexities surrounding the Waqf legislation.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, a contentious piece of legislation, seeks to introduce significant changes to the governance and administration of Waqf properties across the country. Opposition MPs have raised apprehensions that rushing the process could lead to gaps in addressing key concerns raised by minority groups, state governments, and legal experts.
In their appeal, the MPs have urged the government and Speaker Om Birla to prioritize thorough scrutiny over hasty conclusions. They believe an extended timeline for the JPC’s work would strengthen the legislative process and build a broader consensus on the amendments.
The government’s response to this request is awaited. However, the demand underscores the critical role of parliamentary committees in ensuring that proposed legislation is subject to rigorous examination before being tabled for final approval.
This development highlights the balance that parliamentary institutions must strike between efficiency in legislative processes and the inclusivity of diverse perspectives, particularly on sensitive issues like Waqf management. The outcome of this request could set a precedent for the treatment of contentious bills in the future.
