Dikhyaa Mohanty 
On Sunday, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) declared that it will not stand for Waqf boards’ authority to be diminished or restricted. AIMPLB stated in a press release that any modification to the Waqf Act, 2013 that modifies the characteristics of Waqf properties or facilitates the government or any other person from usurping them will not be permitted. Citing reports, it stated that the Center sought to facilitate the holding of the Waqf properties by altering their status and nature through around forty revisions to the Waqf Act, 2013.
“According to reports, a Bill of this nature may be introduced in the Parliament next week. The Muslim Personal Law Board clarified that Waqf properties are donations made by Muslim philanthropists dedicated to religious and charitable purposes and the government has only enacted the Waqf Act to regulate them,” the press release said.
Furthermore, according to AIMPLB, the Waqf Act and its associated properties are safeguarded by the Constitution and the Shariat Application Act of 1937, and any modifications to these properties’ nature or status would be prohibited by law.
“Muslims would never accept any amendment to the Waqf Act that would change its status. Similarly, interference with the legal and judicial status and powers of Waqf Boards will not be tolerated,” it added.
