AIMPLB President Khalid Saifullah Rehmani Opposes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Pledges Resistance “At All Costs”
Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rehmani, president of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), has issued a firm and passionate objection to the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, pledging to oppose its implementation “at all costs.” Speaking at a public gathering in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Rehmani expressed grave concerns over the central government’s intentions, alleging that the bill is part of a larger effort to diminish the board’s authority and seize control of Waqf properties across the country. In his fiery speech, Rehmani stated that AIMPLB members were prepared to fill jails or even sacrifice their lives to prevent the bill from becoming law.
“This is not just legislation; it is a matter of life and death for us,” Rehmani declared, vowing that the Muslim community would resist the bill with everything they had. “We should stop it at all costs. If necessary, we will flood the prisons with our people, leaving no space for actual criminals. And if it comes to it, we will not hesitate to give our lives for the cause,” he warned, underscoring the seriousness with which the board views the bill.
What Does the Waqf (Amendment) Bill Propose?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced by the central government on July 28, 2024, seeks to change how Waqf board’s function, curtailing their powers. Currently, Waqf boards have the authority to declare certain properties as “Waqf property,” often used for religious, charitable, or community purposes. However, the new amendments aim to restrict these powers by introducing external checks.
One of the most controversial provisions is the inclusion of non-Muslim representatives and Muslim women in both the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards, an aspect that the AIMPLB argues would dilute Muslim control over these lands. Opponents fear that this could lead to mismanagement or misappropriation of Waqf properties.
Rehmani voiced these concerns in his address, saying: “If non-Muslims are placed in charge of managing our mosques and graveyards, will they care about our religious needs? The result will be the loss of our sacred lands and heritage. This law is a dangerous one.”
The Concerns Raised by AIMPLB and Waqf Management Issues
AIMPLB has long contended that Waqf properties, many of which serve as mosques, graveyards, or educational institutions, are already facing illegal encroachments. Saifullah Rehmani claimed that the government’s ultimate goal was to wrest control of these properties from Muslims. He pointed to bureaucratic obstacles in legal disputes between Waqf boards and state officials, explaining that the system is biased. “If there is a dispute between the government and the Waqf board, will the government-appointed collector give a verdict against the government?” he asked rhetorically, expressing skepticism over the fairness of the judiciary in such cases.
Drawing comparisons to other religious communities, Rehmani highlighted the vast amount of temple land managed by state governments. “In Tamil Nadu, there are 478,000 acres of temple land. Andhra Pradesh has 468,000 acres of temple land, making it a combined 10 lakh acres. If Hindu temples can hold this much land without interference, why is there an issue if Muslims manage six lakh acres of Waqf property across the country?” he questioned.
He further accused the government of deliberately pressuring certain members of the Waqf Board to undermine their cases by withholding documents in court disputes. “This is part of their strategy to strip us of our properties and control,” Rehmani added.
Political Support for AIMPLB’s Opposition
The AIMPLB’s resistance to the bill has also garnered political support. On October 9, 2024, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren met with a delegation of AIMPLB members, including Rehmani, to discuss the issue. According to a statement released by the board, Soren assured them that he would oppose the bill in Parliament if it were introduced.
“The proposed amendments violate the Constitution, democratic principles, federalism, and the pluralistic nature of India,” the AIMPLB said in its statement following the meeting with Soren. The board emphasized that the Waqf Act protects properties dedicated to religious and charitable purposes, and any attempt to weaken it would be unacceptable.
Tensions Escalate During Parliamentary Committee Meeting
The contentious nature of the bill also spilt into Parliament, leading to a heated altercation during a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Bill on October 22, 2024. Kalyan Banerjee, a Member of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), clashed with BJP representative Abhijit Gangopadhyay during the session. In a fit of rage, Banerjee smashed a glass water bottle on the table, injuring his thumb and index finger.
Following this outburst, Banerjee was suspended for one day from the committee by the Parliamentary panel for his disruptive behavior. The incident further underscores the growing tensions and political polarization surrounding the Waqf bill debate.
Community Response and Next Steps
The AIMPLB’s opposition has resonated within Muslim communities across the country, with several organizations expressing concern about the impact the bill could have on Waqf properties. In Kanpur, where Saifullah Rehmani made his address, calls for peaceful protests are gaining momentum. The board has also hinted at the possibility of organizing mass protests and filling jails as part of a civil disobedience movement if the government proceeds with the bill.
While the government has yet to release an official response to the AIMPLB’s objections, the Joint Parliamentary Committee is expected to submit its findings soon. Until then, uncertainty looms over the fate of the bill and the future of Waqf management in India.