Church Backs Modi Govt's Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, Says Board Unjustly Claiming Citizens Land

New Delhi: Two leading church organisations have extended their support for the WAQF Amendment Act 2024 citing that WAQF has been unjustly claiming land from a large number of citizens who have legally purchased and developed land.

BJP leader and former MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar shared the information on social media platform, X, saying, “I welcome the submissions to Parliament committee on Waqf Board Bill, by two leading Christian organisations.”

"Their submissions reveal how Waqf boards are unjustly claiming land from a large number of citizens who have legally purchased and developed lands.. These claims are unjust, unconstitutional and violation of peoples fundamental rights".

“But guess who continues to oppose Waqf board amendment act - Rahul's constitution waving Congress party,” the BJP leader said.

In a letter titled “Petition regarding unjust Waqf Board claims affecting over 600 families in Munanbam Beach, Ermakulam District,” the church said, “The Honorable Members of the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amend ment) Bill, I, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition to bring to your attention a grave issue affecting more than 600 families residing in Munanbam Beach, Ernakulam District, Kerala State.”

“Since 2022, the enforcement of the Waqf Law has caused considerable hardship for these families, who are enduring immense distress and uncertainty due to unjust claims on their properties by the Waqf Board,” it said.

"It's deeply concerning that the Waqf Board's claims are being made against a large number of citizens who legally purchased and developed their lands. These claims are unjust. unconstitutional, and a clear violation of the rights guaranteed by our Constitution.
I urge the Commission to take immediate and decisive action to resolve this issue and to ensure that such claims on lawfully owned properties of Indian citizens are not repeated in the future. It is the Commission's responsibility to guarantee that the law is enforced fairly and justly, without infringing upon the constitutional rights of citizens to live with dignity and to own property," it said.

“I respectfully request that the Commission thoroughly review the provisions of the Waqf Law that have led to this situation and consider amending or repealing those provisions to prevent similar occurrences across India in the future,” the letter mentioned.