Chicago – September 25, 2024
In a significant development, the Indian government has proposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, which suggests that the Waqf Board will no longer manage Waqf properties. Critics argue that this bill violates multiple articles of the Indian Constitution, including Article 14, which ensures equality before the law.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claims the amendment aims to protect Waqf properties, but many believe this rationale is unfounded. Notable cases of property disputes include significant acreage associated with various Dargahs and mosques that have allegedly been mishandled under the management of Waqf Board members, including Asaddudin Owaisi.
For example, properties related to Dargah Hazrat Hussain Shawani RA and Dargah Baba Sharfuddin Paharhi Shareef have been implicated in controversies involving large tracts of land, some of which were reportedly allocated for an airport.
These issues have prompted protests and arrests, such as that of Usman Al-Hijri, who opposed seizing Waqf Property. Questions are being raised, particularly concerning properties in Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, and Telangana, as well as the management under Owaisi’s tenure.
