AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on March 29 sharply criticized the Central government over the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, calling it a violation of the Indian Constitution’s sovereignty. Speaking at the AIMIM’s 67th foundation day in Hyderabad, Owaisi accused the government of attempting to plunder Waqf properties under the guise of amendments.
He condemned the reduction of the Mutawalli's share of Waqf income, stating, “For each state Waqf Board, 7 percent of the income has to be given to the Mutawalli, but the Centre has reduced it.” Owaisi questioned why the government intends to replace sitting district judges with retired judges on Waqf tribunals, arguing that it compromises accountability.
Owaisi alleged that the BJP-led NDA government is trying to eliminate the Waqf Board and mislead the public by making the sale of Waqf property a bailable offence. “Under the Waqf Act of 1995, it was a non-bailable offence with two years of jail time,” he noted.
He further criticized the government’s removal of the section on evacuee Waqf properties and stated that the Centre is attempting to dismantle the legal framework that protects Waqf assets.
Owaisi concluded by warning that the bill would face strong opposition, asserting that it is a matter of constitutional sovereignty rather than mere electoral politics.
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