It is still unclear whether the joint committee will only consider the content of the Bill or also address broader issues, such as encroachments on Waqf properties and their management. https://thewire.in/government/waqf-bill-row-joint-parliamentary-committees-terms-of-reference-priorities-remain-unclear
Parliament has announced a 31-member joint committee to examine the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, but its terms of reference remain unclear. The committee, consisting of 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha, was established on August 9, the last day of the Budget session. This joint committee is tasked with studying the amendment bill and is expected to submit its report during the first week of the winter session of Parliament. Among the significant changes, the Bill seeks to substantially alter the existing framework of Waqf law. The proposed amendment would shift the governance of Waqfs from the Boards and Tribunals—currently overseen primarily by the Muslim community – to the state governments.
12/08/2024