Leaders slam Waqf Act, call it ‘unconstitutional’ at Kurnool meet

At a round-table discussion held in Kurnool city on Sunday, speakers criticised the NDA government for passing the Waqf Amendment Bill, terming it ‘unconstitutional’.

The discussion focused on the Act being contrary to the Constitution and the need to annul it.

Speakers pointed out that the Act mandates Waqf boards to submit property documents for their assets, however, for hereditary properties this is a challenge as old records might not exist. This Bill, is a thoughtless and misguided piece of legislation under the Narendra Modi government, the leaders said.

Concerns were also raised over the transfer of powers to district Collectors to survey Waqf lands. The speakers expressed fear of an increase in land litigations. Interference by the government in Waqf properties, meant for religious and community welfare, is an infringement on religious freedom and violates the rights of minorities.

The speakers declared that peaceful protests would be organised in phases until the Centre withdrew the Act. They also called for the State government to reconsider its stance and put pressure on the Central government to repeal the Act.

The meeting was held under the banner ‘Save India – Save Fundamental Rights’, under the leadership of ex-MLA from Kurnool, Abdul Hafeez Khan, and was attended by senior advocates Jayaraju and Khalid, senior minority leader Moiz Khan, and other notable figures.