Waqf: The same law should be implemented for the settlement of religious properties, VHP raised questions on making a separate Waqf law

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has demanded the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) constituted on the Waqf Bill to make a uniform law for the control and management of properties of different religions. In a letter sent to the committee through its president Alok Kumar, the organization has questioned the making of a separate Waqf law for Muslims and termed it unconstitutional.

VHP has said that just as any property dedicated to Waqf becomes the property of the Almighty, in the same way, movable and immovable property is dedicated to the deities in Hinduism for the maintenance of temples and charitable purposes. The same happens in Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains. Then why should there be a separate law for the control and management of property donated to Waqf for charitable purposes? VHP has demanded the implementation of a uniform law in this case as well, reminding of the call to ensure a uniform civil code for all citizens in Article 44 of the Constitution.

Questions raised on Waqf Act 1954

The letter also raises questions on the implementation of Waqf Act 1954 through a private bill. It says that Mohammad Ahmed Qazi introduced it as a private bill. However, the government not only sent the bill to the Select Committee but surprisingly made the then Law Minister CC Biswas the chairman of the committee. VHP said that during the discussion on this bill, Biswas had said that the government intends to bring such a law that will apply to donations of all religions. However, this was not done.

Mirwaiz Umar will meet Waqf Bill Committee tomorrow.

Kashmir's religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will meet Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the joint committee of Parliament examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill here on Friday with a delegation. A statement issued by the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), headed by Mirwaiz, said the delegation would register its objections to certain provisions of the bill. Some provisions of the bill will have far-reaching implications on the management of waqf properties and the welfare of Muslim communities, especially the underprivileged.