In brief
In a significant move on Friday, the Indian Parliament approved a contentious bill that enhances governmental control over Muslim land trusts, known as Waqfs. The legislation allows for non-Muslims to join their administrative councils, intensifying fears within the Muslim majority that their rights may be compromised.
The bill’s supporters claim it will foster better management of Waqf properties, which constitute one of the largest landholdings in India, exceeding 800,000 estates across almost a million acres. The properties — including mosques and educational institutions — are valued at over $14 billion, according to a government report released in 2006.While the ruling party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defends the reforms as a way to increase accountability and prevent mismanagement, critics argue this marks a direct infringement on the autonomy of the Muslim community. Kiren Rijiju, Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, argued that the changes are intended to enhance transparency, rather than diminish rights.Unlike prior legislative procedures under Modi’s leadership, which were characterized by rapid and forceful enactment, this bill underwent extensive discussions and thrived on robust debate prior to its passage, indicating some level of consideration for dissenting views.
