April 1, 2025: A heated debate is expected in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as the government has allocated eight hours for discussing the amended Waqf Bill. The opposition and various Muslim organizations have expressed strong reservations about the bill, leading to a likely slowdown.

The tension was palpable on Tuesday when the opposition walked out of the business advisory committee meeting, chaired by the Speaker, after a heated exchange over the time allocated for the Waqf bill debate. Union minister Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition of trying to avoid discussion on the bill, which aims to give the government a say in regulating Waqf properties and settling disputes.

The Waqf bill proposes to amend a decade old law governing properties donated by Muslims. The bill was tabled in Parliament in August last year, but was sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for consultation amid opposition protests. The bill, with 14 amendments, was approved by the Union Cabinet in February.

Key provisions:

Composition: the bill proposes to make it mandatory to include non-Muslims as members of Waqf board.

Registration of Waqf properties: Every waqf property must be registered on a central database within 6 months of the law coming into force.

Dispute resolution: A state government official will have the power to determine if a property is waqf or belongs to the government.

This provision related to dispute resolution has generated controversy, with Muslim outfits arguing that the officer is likely to rule in favour of government.

Despite the opposition, the Kerala catholic Bishops council has urged MPs from the state to support the Waqf bill. The Christian community has also expressed support, according to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.