India's Parliament Enacts Controversial Law Empowering Non-Muslims in Waqf Management

As India moves to amend the oversight of Waqf boards, debate intensifies over the implications for Muslim communities.

In a significant legislative move, the Indian Parliament approved a contentious bill on Friday that will enhance government oversight of properties belonging to Muslim trusts, known as Waqfs. This legislative action has raised alarms among various groups, indicating a perceived targeting of the Muslim minority and fears regarding the infringement of their rights.

Under the newly passed legislation, non-Muslims may be appointed to administer the Waqf boards, which govern these trusts, and state authorities will now adjudicate related disputes. The Waqfs, boasting a legal history of over a century in India, hold considerable real estate assets, managing an estimated 800,000 properties that collectively span nearly a million acres. A government report from 2006 approximates the value of these holdings—encompassing mosques, educational institutions, cemeteries, and land contributions from individuals—at over $14 billion.

Supporters of the bill, primarily members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party, argue that amending the management of these trusts is essential for boosting efficiency and accountability, aiming to prevent potential misuse of Waqf properties. Kiren Rijiju, India's Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, emphasized that the initiative is a step towards increasing transparency rather than an act of encroachment on Muslim rights.

Contrary to the swift legislative processes observed during Modi's former term, this Waqf bill underwent extensive discussions, including two days of rigorous debate that stretched into the early hours, showcasing diverse opinions before the final vote.