The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in the Indian Lok Sabha on 8 August 2024. It seeks to repeal Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923 and amend the Waqf Act, 1995. The Act regulates waqf property in India, and defines Waqf as an endowment of movable or immovable property for purposes considered pious, religious, or charitable under Muslim law. Every state is required to constitute a Waqf Board to manage waqf. The Bill renames the Act to ‘United Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995’. The amendment incorporates 25 recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), aims for the removal of inequality, introduction of gender equality by mandating representation of at least two Muslim women on the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards and ensuring female inheritance rights, and promotion of sectarian inclusivity by requiring representation from various Muslim sects on State Waqf Boards. The bill empowers the Central Government to create rules for Waqf registration, auditing, and accounts, ensuring transparency and accountability. An appeal process is also included, allowing decisions made by Waqf tribunals to be challenged in the High Court within 90 days.