New Delhi: Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain has expressed deep disappointment over the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating that it fails to resolve the critical issues raised before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). According to Jain, several draconian provisions have been left untouched, making the legislation even more complicated rather than addressing existing concerns.
“We gave a deatiled presentation before the JPC giving clause by clause proposal to the Waqf amendment bill. But none of the proposals has been adopted by the JPC. Certainly Waqf amendment bill was a way forward for discussion and deliberations but the final outcome is completely disheartening”, he tweeted.
Vishnu Shankar Jain Calls Waqf Amendment Bill Disheartening, Cites Ignored Proposals
Jain revealed that he had submitted a detailed clause-by-clause proposal before the JPC, expecting meaningful reforms. However, none of the recommendations were adopted, leaving him disheartened. He recalled that when the amendment bill was introduced, there was a growing awareness of discrimination against Hindus in legal proceedings. Despite filing multiple petitions in various High Courts between 2020 and 2024, it took four years of struggle for legislative intent to emerge. Yet, the final outcome of the amendment has fallen far short of expectations.
He stated “When this amendment bill was brought we were in an era where the voice of Hindus being discriminated was not heard in the courts of law. Sc dismissed our petition and asked us to approch high courts. Many petitions were filed in hcs from 2020 till 2024 and finally after four years of struggle some legislative intent was shown it is at that point of time i had made that remark thinking that through legislative measures we will be able to curb the menance. But all assurances have failed. Completely disheartening to see the present amendment.”
Highlighting the two possible approaches to addressing the draconian provisions of the Waqf Act, Jain stated that one route was to amend the law, removing oppressive provisions while keeping Waqf under government control. The other was to repeal the Act entirely. When the amendment bill was introduced, he believed the first approach was the better course of action, which is why he actively participated in the JPC proceedings. However, the complete disregard for critical amendments has left him shocked.
He further tweeted, “there are two ways to deal with draconian provisions of waqf act. One route was through amendment the draconian provisions are removed, certain new provisions are added and the waqf remains with the control of the government. The other route was complete repeal of waqf act. When the amendment bill was introduced intellectually there was a chance for implementing the first route which was far more superior than repeal. Thats why i indulged in that exercise of giving detailed presentation before jpc. Never expected this by JPC”.
Waqf Amendment Bill Under Fire: Vishnu Shankar Jain Highlights Unresolved Issues
With strong words against the JPC’s handling of the bill, Jain’s remarks underscore the growing concerns over the government’s approach to Waqf-related legal reforms. The debate over the bill continues, with many now questioning whether legislative measures can truly address long-standing issues.
