Owaisi Opposes Waqf Bill, Calls It a Threat to Muslim Religious Rights

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Asaduddin Owaisi, the fiery leader of the AIMIM, has raised a strong voice against the recently proposed Waqf Bill, calling it a direct threat to the religious rights of Muslims in India. Owaisi’s opposition to the Bill is based on his belief that it will give the government undue control over the management of Waqf properties, thereby infringing on the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions.

The Waqf Bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 by introducing reforms to enhance the management and governance of Waqf properties. One of the key provisions of the Bill is the creation of a Waqf Development and Reform Authority, which would oversee the administration of Waqf properties across the country. The Bill is being hailed by its supporters as a necessary measure to curb corruption and improve accountability within the Waqf system.

However, Owaisi and other critics argue that the Bill gives the central government far too much control over religious properties that belong to the Muslim community. Owaisi has argued that the Bill undermines the autonomy of local Waqf Boards and violates the principles of religious freedom enshrined in the Constitution. He has also raised concerns that the Bill could lead to the politicization of Waqf properties, with the government using these assets for its own purposes.

In response, the government has defended the Waqf Bill, emphasizing that it is designed to bring much-needed reforms to the management of Waqf assets, which have long been plagued by mismanagement and corruption. The government has argued that the Bill will improve the transparency and accountability of Waqf Boards, ensuring that these properties are used for the welfare of the Muslim community.

The issue is now before the Supreme Court, with Owaisi’s petition challenging the Bill set to be heard in the coming weeks. The case is expected to attract significant public and media attention, as it touches upon the sensitive issue of religious freedom and the relationship between the state and religious institutions.