The Dawoodi Bohra community has requested to be excluded from the Waqf law during a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting in New Delhi, as tensions persist between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Opposition MPs over the Waqf Amendment Bill. Senior advocate Harish Salve, representing the Dawoodi Bohra community, highlighted the distinct doctrines and practices of the community, emphasizing the need for this exclusion to protect their faith and governance under the al-Dai al-Mutlaq.
Salve, who spoke on behalf of Anjuman-E-Shiate Ali Bohra, referenced several Supreme Court rulings that recognize the community’s uniqueness, arguing that the Waqf Board’s powers undermine the fundamental rights of the Dawoodi Bohras. He and other representatives contended that the Waqf Board should have no authority over the community’s properties and affairs, thereby asserting that their worship lands should remain under community management, not subject to Waqf Board oversight.
Moreover, Salve noted that the Waqf Board (Amendment) Bill, 2024 did not adequately acknowledge the distinctiveness of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
The JPC meeting also included perspectives from various representatives, including those from Akhil Bhartiya Adhivakta Parishad, Anveshak, and others, who broadly supported the Bill while suggesting some modifications. However, the ongoing clashes between the ruling BJP and Opposition MPs regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill necessitated intervention from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Opposition MPs, including members from Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Samajwadi Party, complained to Om Birla about the conduct of JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal. They alleged that he was selectively choosing who could speak at the meetings and accused him of allowing non-stakeholders to present while denying the Opposition a fair chance to express their views.
After their meeting with the Speaker, AAP MP Sanjay Singh stated that they had raised their concerns about the JPC meetings and received an assurance from Om Birla to address the issues surrounding the Waqf law discussions.
Previously, the Opposition had sent a letter to Om Birla, accusing Pal of being high-handed and indicating they might withdraw from the JPC if their concerns were not addressed. However, Pal dismissed these allegations, asserting that the JPC’s purpose is to engage with all stakeholders on the Waqf law and that he has provided ample opportunities for Opposition MPs to share their views. So far, around 25 JPC meetings have taken place, with plans for further discussions in various states after November 9.