New Delhi: The parliamentary committee reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is expected to receive an extension until the final day of the next Budget Session, according to a PTI report. This came after a contentious meeting marked by a brief opposition walkout, after which the panel reached a unanimous decision to request additional time to complete its report.
The walkout, led by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, DMK MP A Raja, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, and TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, was sparked by allegations that committee chairperson Jagdambika Pal had prematurely declared the report ready for submission by the original November 29 deadline. Opposition members argued that not all stakeholders had been consulted, including officials from six states and representatives of state Waqf boards.
Opposition members agreed to rejoin the formal session
“We cannot submit a report by November 29 if we follow due process,” said AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi claimed the chairperson was under pressure from a senior government minister to expedite the proceedings, calling the process a “mockery”.
Despite initial tensions, the meeting resumed after Pal and BJP members, including Nishikant Dubey and Aparajita Sarangi, reached out to the opposition members. Informal discussions outside the meeting venue helped cool tempers, and opposition members agreed to rejoin the formal session.
Pal later clarified that the committee needed more time to consult stakeholders, including officials from six states where disputes exist between Waqf boards and state governments. He cited unresolved issues over 123 properties disputed between the Urban Ministry, the Government of India, and Waqf boards as a reason for seeking an extension.
Motion to extend committee’s tenure will be moved in Lok Sabha
Committee member and BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi confirmed that a motion to extend the committee’s tenure would be moved in the Lok Sabha. The motion, listed in Thursday’s business, seeks to allow the committee to submit its report by the last day of the 2025 Budget Session.
Pal defended the decision, stating, “The committee unanimously agreed on the need for an extension. We must engage with all stakeholders to ensure transparency and fairness in the process.”
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been a source of intense debate, with opposition parties alleging that the proposed changes infringe upon the religious rights of Muslims. The ruling BJP, however, has maintained that the amendments aim to bring transparency and accountability to Waqf boards.
The committee, formed on August 8 after the bill’s introduction in Lok Sabha, has faced criticism for its approach. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee accused the chairperson of failing to invite key witnesses or engage meaningfully with opposition members. The committee plans to visit several states to meet with stakeholders before finalising its recommendations. Sarangi stressed that the additional time would allow for a thorough examination of the bill and address concerns raised by both opposition members and the wider public.
