As the winter session of Parliament begins on Monday, Kochi witnessed a strong protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, one of the 16 bills slated for discussion. The protesters, primarily from the Munambam community, expressed their grievances over the existing Waqf Act, alleging severe hardships caused by its provisions.
Protest highlights
Residents of the Munambam community have been staging a peaceful protest for the past 33 days, employing fasting as a means of resistance. According to the protesters, the Waqf Board has claimed ownership of property they have inhabited for over 150 years, despite the community purchasing the land between 1988 and 1993.
“We are on the 33rd day of our protest, following a non-violent approach. Today, we brought an effigy of the Waqf Act. Our issue is not with any particular religion but with the flaws in the Waqf Act that need urgent amendment,” said one of the protestors.
The community highlighted that the Waqf Board’s claim to their property is rooted in the 1995 Waqf Act, which allowed the Board to register the land under its ownership.
“These fishermen have lived here for generations. After 35 years of legal possession of their property, they are now being asked to vacate it due to the Board’s registration. We appeal to the government to amend the Act and return our rightful property,” another protestor added.
Concerns about the waqf act
The Waqf Act of 1995 was introduced to regulate waqf properties, aiming to ensure their proper management and prevent misuse. However, it has faced widespread criticism over allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and unlawful encroachments.
The protesters in Kochi are among many who argue that the Act disproportionately affects local communities, particularly those who have legally acquired property later registered as waqf land without their consent or knowledge.
The waqf (Amendment) bill, 2024
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to introduce significant reforms to address such concerns. Key proposals include:
- Digitisation of Waqf Properties: To improve record-keeping and reduce disputes over ownership.
- Stricter Audits: Ensuring accountability in the management of waqf assets.
- Transparency Measures: Promoting greater clarity in waqf operations.
- Legal Mechanisms: Enabling the reclaiming of illegally occupied waqf properties.
The Bill is currently being scrutinised by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which has been working extensively since August. The JPC has held 25 meetings, reviewed the work of six ministries, and consulted 123 stakeholders, including representatives from eight Waqf Boards, four minority commissions, and six states.
The JPC’s report is expected to be tabled during the winter session, although opposition members have called for an extension to allow more time for deliberations.
Political and Legislative context
The winter session of Parliament, spanning from November 25 to December 20, will include 19 sittings. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is among the key items on the government’s agenda.
For decades, the Waqf Act has been a contentious issue, with critics pointing to loopholes that enable property disputes and misuse of waqf assets. The amendment aims to address these challenges while balancing the interests of communities reliant on waqf properties for religious, educational, and charitable purposes.
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Broader implications
The ongoing protests in Kochi highlight the broader discontent with the current state of waqf governance. While the amendment seeks to introduce reforms, communities like Munambam urge the government to consider their grievances and ensure that the changes do not lead to further hardships.
Chief among their demands is the return of properties they claim to have legally purchased but have since been registered as waqf land.
Moving forward
As Parliament debates the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the protests in Kochi serve as a stark reminder of the human impact of legislative decisions. Striking a balance between reforming waqf governance and safeguarding the rights of affected communities will be a crucial challenge for lawmakers.
The government has yet to officially respond to the protests, but with the JPC’s extensive consultations and the heightened public attention on this issue, all eyes are on the winter session to see how the matter unfolds.
For now, the Munambam community continues their non-violent resistance, hoping their voices will resonate in the corridors of power.
