Proposal to amend law on Muslim-donated properties in India sparks backlash

ANKARA (AA) – A draft bill proposing changes to a law governing properties donated by Muslims in India has sparked significant opposition, local media reported Thursday.

Millions of dollars’ worth of properties such as mosques, madrasas and shelters and thousands of acres of land donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes are managed by state-level boards under the Wakf Act.

The boards consist of representatives appointed by the state, Muslim lawmakers, bar members and Islamic scholars.

The bill, which includes more than 40 amendments, was introduced in August and referred to a joint committee of lawmakers for further review. It is expected to be reintroduced with the committee’s changes.

A key point of contention are the proposed changes to property rules affecting historic mosques, shrines and cemeteries managed by waqf boards.

Many of these properties were donated informally or without legal documentation, making their future uncertain under the bill.

The 1954 Wakf Act classifies these properties under “use-based wakf,” but the proposed bill omits this provision.

As a result, Muslim groups and opposition parties have condemned the changes, calling them an attempt to undermine minority rights.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government argues that the changes aim to eliminate corruption in the management of wakf properties and are necessary to address the reform demands of the Muslim community.

Modi’s government notes that waqf boards are among India’s largest landowners, with over 872,000 properties covering more than 940,000 acres.