Opposition members seek extension in tenure of Parliamentary panel on Waqf Bill

The joint opposition led by Congress on Monday met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and urged him to extend the tenure of the Parliamentary committee examining amendments to the Waqf Act by a reasonable period.

The parties that included Congress, TMC, AIMIM, left parties, and others said that the first meeting of the committee was held on August 22 this year.

They said so far, 25 committee meetings have taken place and these meetings have witnessed representations and evidences from relevant organisations.

On the other hand, presentations by various state governments such as Bihar, New Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh are pending. The amendments to the Waqf Act are expansive and require proper deliberations. Several stakeholders are also yet to share their views with the committee, the parties said in their letter to Birla.

The Opposition also said if legislations are discussed nearly as a formality without giving substantive opportunity to the stakeholders to present their views, it undermines the legislative process and the majesty of the Parliament.

Meanwhile Speaker Om Birla assured the opposition MPs that he will favourably consider their request of extending the deadline for the joint Parliamentary panel on Waqf Amendment Bill, sources said.

The government for its part has listed Waqf Act amendment Bill as a key legislative agenda for passage in the winter session of Parliament, which commenced on Monday and will end on December 20.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has already publicly stated that the amendment bill will be passed in the winter session.