Kiren Rijiju Defends JPC Report on Waqf (Amendment) Bill Amid Parliamentary Uproar

NEW DELHI: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the JPC report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, saying that the dissent notes from Opposition leaders were included.

Dismissing allegations of illegality and unconstitutionality, Rijiju emphasized that the full report, including annexures, has been submitted in Parliament. He clarified that as per parliamentary rules, the JPC chairman has the authority to remove dissent notes if they cast aspersions on the committee. He further stated that members who disagree with the removal of certain portions can raise the issue with the chairman. “It is incorrect to label the JPC report as illegal and unconstitutional. This is not the NDA’s report; it is the report of Parliament,” Rijiju said.

However, Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, strongly criticized the report, accusing the government of wrongfully omitting dissenting views of Opposition members. Kharge argued that such omissions undermine the democratic process and sideline crucial viewpoints.

The report's presentation caused a big uproar in both Houses of Parliament. Due to loud protests from the Opposition, the Lok Sabha was adjourned until 2 PM. The Rajya Sabha also saw heated arguments on the issue.

Meanwhile, last year, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which sought to "effectively address" issues related to the powers of the State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of waqf properties, and removal of encroachments, was introduced in Lok Sabha on 8 August.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which amended the Waqf Act, 1995, was introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, DMK, NCP, Trinamool Congress, and AIMIM, strongly opposed the introduction of the bill, saying its provisions were against federalism and constitutional provisions. While some members demanded the withdrawal of the bill, many suggested that it should be sent to a standing committee.

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