A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) convened in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday to discuss the Waqf Amendment Act of 2024. The committee is actively seeking feedback and concerns about the bill from Muslim religious leaders and organizations. This meeting is a critical part of the process, bringing together diverse viewpoints on the proposed changes. The JPC, chaired by Jagdambika Pal, includes 11 other members, such as Asaduddin Owaisi, demonstrating its broad representation.
The primary aim of the committee is to listen to different perspectives within the Muslim community. Important figures, like Ali Zaidi, the Chairman of both the Shia and Sunni Central Waqf Boards, are participating in the discussions. Additionally, well-known religious scholars, including Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali and Maulana Sufiyan Nizami, are also present. Furthermore, representatives from organizations like Jamaat-e-Islami are involved, ensuring the committee receives a wide range of input on the proposed changes to the Waqf Act. The focus of these discussions is to truly understand all the concerns related to the amendment.
These talks are incredibly important because they provide a space for Muslim leaders to express their concerns about how the amendment act might affect them. The JPC is expected to carefully consider all suggestions and objections before finalizing its recommendations. This approach highlights an effort to involve the community in the law-making process and promotes a clearer understanding of the law. Therefore, the discussions taking place in Lucknow will likely be very influential in shaping the final version of the Waqf Amendment Act.