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The Waqf Amendment Bill, currently under review by a joint parliamentary committee, has sparked significant opposition from the Muslim community in India. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), a prominent organization advocating for Muslim personal law, has mobilized a nationwide campaign to gather feedback and express their concerns about the proposed changes to the Waqf Act.
After Friday prayers across the country, mosques and prayer spaces facilitated a unique method of feedback collection. Attendees were informed about the perceived flaws in the Waqf Amendment Bill, and a QR code was provided for them to scan using their mobile devices. This QR code linked to a platform where individuals could submit their opinions and concerns directly to the joint parliamentary committee, enabling widespread participation and accessibility.
The core of the opposition lies in the proposed removal of the ‘Waqf by user clause,’ a key provision within the Waqf Act. This clause allows for properties to be designated as Waqf if they are used for religious purposes, even if they were not originally intended for that purpose. The AIMPLB argues that this removal would significantly weaken the legal foundation of Waqf properties, potentially jeopardizing their long-term use for religious purposes. Additionally, legal experts contend that the amendments could violate fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution, including the rights to equality, freedom of religion, and cultural practices.
The utilization of a QR code represents a modern approach to garnering public opinion on a critical legal issue. It leverages technology to facilitate widespread participation and allows individuals to express their viewpoints directly to the relevant decision-makers. The scale of the response, with potentially millions of Muslims expressing their concerns, underscores the seriousness with which the Muslim community views these proposed amendments.
Source: Waqf Amendment Bill: After Friday prayers, people scan QR codes, record their opinions