Waqf Amendment Bill: Government Assures No Retrospective Effect, Set For Smooth Passage

While preparing the Waqf Amendment Bill, the central government addressed the concerns raised by the Janata Dal (United), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and some other parties. As a result, the bill, which is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 2, is expected to pass without significant hurdles. The central government has assured NDA allies that once passed, the bill will be implemented with a prospective effect rather than a retrospective one. The advantage of not applying the Waqf law retrospectively is that properties already under the Waqf Board’s control will remain unaffected. Sources have indicated that the Waqf Amendment Act will come into effect from the date of its notification. Under this bill, the properties currently under the Waqf Board's control will remain with it, which is seen as a kind of concession by the government.

Since the BJP-led NDA government has accepted most of its allies' demands regarding this law, they are unlikely to oppose the bill in the Lok Sabha. However, the Janata Dal (United) has stated that it will scrutinize even the finer details of the bill once it is tabled for discussion. The government is confident that the bill will pass both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Meanwhile, the opposition is opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill. They argue it is unconstitutional. Despite this, Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, has expressed confidence that the bill will be passed in the Lok Sabha. To ensure its smooth passage, the BJP has held discussions with its allies.

Also Read: Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 To Be Tabled in Lok Sabha Today Amidst Political Standoff

All MPs Must Be Present:

As the Waqf Amendment Bill is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha, the BJP has issued a three-line whip to its MPs, instructing them to be present in the House throughout Wednesday and support the government's stance. The Congress has also issued a similar whip, asking its MPs to be present.