Parliamentary panel on Waqf Bill to seek extension of tenure

Chairperson Jagdambika Pal says there is consensus among the members that an extension of tenure should be sought as they are yet to complete deliberations.

The Joint Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is set to move a motion in the Lok Sabha seeking an extension of its tenure to finalise the report on the Bill, shows the Parliamentary agenda for Thursday (November 28, 2024).

The decision to seek extension was taken after the panel’s meeting on Wednesday (November 27, 2024). 

“There is a consensus within the panel that we haven’t yet spoken to many of the stakeholders. For example, there are six States where there is a dispute between the Waqf [boards] and the State governments. Similarly, there are disputes over 123 properties, between the Waqf boards and the Union government,” Jagdambika Pal, Chairperson of the panel, told reporters after the meeting.

Mr. Pal, a BJP MP, added that he would consider the suggestion of the members to seek extension of the tenure of the panel and bring a resolution in the Lok Sabha on Thursday (November 28, 2024) or Friday (November 29, 2024). The panel is scheduled to submit its report during the ongoing Winter session of Parliament. 

Earlier, the Opposition members had walked out of the meeting, alleging that its proceedings had become a “mockery”.

The Opposition members were agitated when, at the beginning of the meeting, they were told by Mr. Pal that the panel should wrap up its proceedings by November 29.

“Before agenda items are taken up for consideration, a sizeable number of non-BJP members have requested the Chairman to extend the stipulated timeline, as by 29th (November) the JPC will not be in a position to complete the proceedings. Many of the State boards (Waqf) and stakeholders have not been given the opportunity of being heard,” YSR Congress MP V. Vijaysai Reddy said, explaining why they decided to walk out.

The Opposition members returned to the meeting after they were informed that an extension would be sought. 

Published - November 27, 2024 10:02 pm IST