October 14, 2024: The Kerala government is poised to pass a resolution in the Assembly today opposing the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, which is currently under review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha, aims to amend the 1995 Waqf Act, a move that has sparked significant debate.

While the central government asserts that the amendment seeks to enhance transparency in the management of mosques and Muslim religious endowments, critics, including the Opposition and various Muslim leaders, argue that it represents an "unconstitutional" attempt to appropriate properties from the community.

The CPI(M)-led government under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is expected to formalize its opposition as the state assembly session progresses. The resolution reflects widespread concerns over the implications of the proposed changes.

The Waqf Amendment Bill is viewed as a key initiative from the BJP-led NDA government aimed at reforming the registration process for Waqf properties through a centralized system. Notable provisions of the bill include the establishment of a Central Waqf Council alongside state Waqf boards, which would include representation for Muslim women and non-Muslim members.

However, the bill's most contentious aspect is the proposal to empower District Collectors as the primary authority in determining the classification of properties as Waqf or government land. This aspect has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents fearing it could lead to potential misuse and further marginalization of the community's property rights.