The Indian Parliament has enacted a contentious bill permitting non-Muslims to govern Muslim Waqf boards, a move that many interpret as government interference with minority rights, despite official assurances aimed at increasing efficiency and accountability.
India’s New Bill Sparks Controversy Over Oversight of Muslim Land Trusts
India’s New Bill Sparks Controversy Over Oversight of Muslim Land Trusts
A recently passed legislation increases government control over properties managed by Muslim trusts, raising alarm over potential rights infringement.
In a significant legislative move, India’s Parliament has approved a contentious bill that heightens government scrutiny over properties administered by Muslim trusts, known as Waqfs. This legislation has incited considerable debate, with critics asserting that it undermines the autonomy of the Muslim community and encroaches on their rights.
The new bill permits the appointment of non-Muslims to the panels governing Waqf boards and gives state officials the authority to resolve disputes concerning these trusts. Historically, Waqfs have served as important religious and charitable entities, managing extensive properties—including mosques, schools, and burial grounds. According to government estimates, these properties span nearly one million acres and possess a collective value exceeding $14 billion.
Defending the bill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration argues that the reforms are designed to enhance transparency and prevent misuse of Waqf assets. Kiren Rijiju, India’s Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, has asserted that this move is not an infringement on minority rights but a necessary step to ensure better management and oversight.
Unlike previous legislative actions taken during Modi's tenure, which were often expedited through Parliament, the Waqf bill underwent extensive deliberations and two full days of passionate debate before passage. Proponents tout these reforms as a modernization of trust governance; however, critics are deeply concerned that these measures signal a broader trend of marginalization of minority rights in India. The ongoing dialogue surrounding this bill highlights the delicate balance between governance and respect for religious autonomy in a diverse society.
