Any change in Wakf Act will not be tolerated, says Muslim Personal Law Board

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has hit out at any proposed changes to the Wakf Act, 2013. “Any change in the Wakf Act which alters the nature of wakf properties or makes it easier for the government or any individual to usurp them will not be acceptable,” said AIMPLB spokesman SQR Ilyas. The board is contemplating legal redress if the government makes any “sweeping changes” to the Act.

He said: “According to media reports, the Government of India wants to change the status and nature of the Wakf properties through about 40 amendments to the Wakf Act, 2013, so that their possession becomes easier. A Bill may be introduced in the Parliament next week. The Muslim Personal Law Board considers it important to clarify that wakf properties are donations made by Muslim philanthropists dedicated to religious and charitable purposes — the government has only enacted the Wakf Act to regulate them.”