Overview

• The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) approved 14 amendments to the Waqf Amendment Bill, rejecting all opposition-proposed changes after a clause-by-clause review.
• The ruling BJP-led NDA leveraged its majority in the JPC, with 16 members voting against opposition amendments supported by 10 members.
• Key changes include the removal of the 'Waqf by user' clause for properties used for religious purposes and the inclusion of non-Muslim and female members in Waqf boards.
• Opposition members criticized the process, accusing the committee chair of bias and alleging a lack of fair deliberation during the six-month review period.
• Voting on the approved amendments is scheduled for January 29, with the final report expected to be submitted by January 31.