Ahead of the Parliament winter session beginning on November 25, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it "undemocratic" and "unconstitutional."
At its two-day conference in Bengaluru, the AIMPLB discussed several key issues, including the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, an AIMPLB spokesperson, explained the board’s stance on the Waqf Bill and shared plans to challenge the UCC in the High Court, particularly after its implementation in Uttarakhand.
He expressed concern over the rise in hate speeches, with specific reference to derogatory remarks about Prophet Mohammad made by certain leaders, which he stated are unacceptable to Muslims globally.
“We have addressed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and explained our opposition to it,” Ilyas said. “We will use all legal means to challenge this bill, which is anti-democratic and illogical.”
He also highlighted the increasing disputes related to religious sites and called for the enforcement of the Worship Places Act. The board emphasized that the growing trend of hate speeches must be tackled to preserve harmony.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks significant reforms, including digitisation, stricter audits, greater transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.
A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has been convened to gather input from legal experts, government officials, and Waqf board members to refine the proposed reforms.