Accusing the Law Ministry and the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs for creating hurdles in amending the Waqf Bill, 2010, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has decided to launch a country-wide campaign after “Ramzan” ( Muslim month of fasting ) to press for amendments to the Bill.The Bill is presently before the Parliament’s Select Committee. The AIMPLB termed the attitude of the two ministries, both headed by Salman Khurshid, towards Waqf related issues as “uncooperative” and “irrational”.
The decision was taken at the executive committee meeting of the Law Board at the Darul Uloom Nadawatul Ulema here on Sunday. The meeting was presided over by the AIMPLB president Maulana Rabey Hasni Nadwi. The decision was taken after reviewing the report submitted by AIMPLB Secretary and the Convener of “Save Constitutional Rights Committee,” Maulana Mohammad Wali Rahmani.
“Amendments to the Waqf Bill have been proposed with a view to preserving, protecting and recovering Waqf properties and making the Waqf Board representative of the Muslim community,” Maulana Abdul Rahim Quraishi, the Board’s assistant general secretary and spokesperson told reporters. He said a AIMPLB delegation had met Mr. Khurshid and that he had agreed to the amendments. But later it was found that no changes had been made. Maulana Quraishi also assailed Salman Khurshid’s attitude on this count.
Stating that there were many defects in the Waqf Bill, the Board spokesperson said that as per the Bill a Waqf property cannot be retrieved. The Select Committee had also ignored the Board’s recommendation that if a Waqf property is encroached upon the District Magistrates and Collectors should be held responsible for removing the squatters, as according to the Justice Rajendra Singh Committee report a Waqf proprerty is “public premises.”
‘Nikah not illegal’
Taking note of the Tamil Nadu passport officers not recognising Islamic “nikah” and insisting upon a certificate under the Special Marriage Act, the AIMPLB has decided to make a representation to the Foreign Minister. “Nikah has not been declared illegal either by the Parliament or by the judiciary,” Maulana Quraishi said.
