The ongoing debate surrounding the Wakf Board’s authority over land ownership in India has sparked significant controversy, casting doubts on the efficacy of the Wakf Amendment Bill 2024 currently under discussion by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The issues at hand are complex, making an early agreement in the JPC unlikely. At the heart of the controversy is the Wakf Board’s claim to various lands across India, including Hindu religious sites. A longstanding principle, “Once Wakf, always Wakf,” suggests that once land is designated as Wakf property, it remains so in perpetuity. This has raised concerns about the fairness of the process, particularly since the Wakf Board, a government entity established to manage Muslim endowments, can assert ownership over properties without reciprocal measures for non-Muslim communities. Recent incidents have amplified public outcry. In Delhi, the Wakf Board laid claim to several ancient Hindu temples and even a bus stand, provoking a strong response from local communities. Similar disputes have emerged in other states, including Himachal Pradesh, where a mosque’s ownership claim by the Wakf Board triggered protests.
These claims have drawn attention to the vast landholdings under Wakf control, which some argue is substantial enough to create a parallel ownership structure in the country. Despite India’s partition in 1947, much of the land designated as Wakf remains in the country, leading some to question the impact of the Partition itself. The Wakf Amendment Bill 2024 has been introduced to address some of these concerns, but many argue that it comes too late to rectify the imbalances. The bill, while aiming to tighten the regulations governing Wakf property, has sparked fierce debate between Hindu and Muslim leaders. Muslim political figures, including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, have highlighted vulnerabilities within the Wakf system. Owaisi noted that over 100,000 acres of Wakf land in Uttar Pradesh alone lack proper documentation, raising questions about the legality of these claims. The controversy surrounding Wakf land ownership is not just a legal issue but also a political one. The power dynamics between religious communities have shifted, with some accusing the government of being complacent in the face of these challenges. Critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi argue that his administration has failed to protect the interests of the Hindu majority, despite his party’s claims of championing their cause. The slogan “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” has been seen by some as an attempt to balance the interests of all communities, but the reality on the ground suggests otherwise.
Secularism, a foundational principle of India’s democracy, is also being questioned. How can a government institution meant to safeguard Muslim endowments assert ownership over properties belonging to other religious groups? This contradiction has fueled calls for more stringent measures to protect non-Muslim landowners from what is perceived as the overreach of the Wakf Board. As the JPC deliberates the Wakf Amendment Bill 2024, the need for a balanced approach becomes evident. The government must ensure that the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion, are protected. Without clear and fair regulations, the controversy surrounding Wakf land will continue to divide communities and strain India’s secular fabric. The Wakf Board’s claims over land ownership represent a significant challenge to India’s land governance system.
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