India, April 2 -- The Lok Sabha commenced on a turbulent note as Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, amidst strong opposition. The bill has sparked nationwide outrage for its controversial provisions that risk altering the very foundation of waqf jurisprudence in India. Despite widespread dissent and stark warnings from the opposition, the government remains steadfast in pushing this legislation through.

This bill, which proposes to rename the Waqf Act of 1995 to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, aims to consolidate state control over waqf properties under the guise of reform. It empowers the district collector with sweeping authority, transferr...