BJP MP and former chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Act, Jagdambika Pal, on Monday reaffirmed the validity of the law after the Supreme Court declined to stay it in entirety, though putting certain provisions on hold.
Pal said the Act was the result of extensive deliberations in Parliament and committee consultations, underscoring that the law continues to hold validity.
“The Waqf Amendment Act was passed after 14 hours of discussion in both Houses and six months of deliberations in the JPC. The Supreme Court has upheld the validity of the law, though some provisions have been temporarily stayed,” Pal told ANI.
The Joint Committee, formed in August 2024 under Pal’s chairmanship, conducted study tours across states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh to examine alleged misuse of Waqf provisions. The panel engaged in 128 hours of discussions with Waqf board chiefs, community representatives, and other stakeholders before submitting its report on February 2, 2025. The law later received Presidential assent on April 5.
While Pal stressed that the committee proceedings were fair and transparent, Opposition members had alleged their inputs were sidelined.
On Monday, the Supreme Court stayed two provisions: the clause requiring a person to be a practicing Muslim for five years to create a Waqf, and the provision empowering Collectors to adjudicate disputes over whether Waqf properties had encroached on government land. The court said these could lead to arbitrary use of power until proper rules are framed.
Despite the interim order, Pal emphasized that the core law remains valid, and the government will review the stayed provisions in line with the court’s guidance.