India adopts the controversial bill increasing the supervision of Muslim land trusts

On Friday, the Indian Parliament adopted a controversial bill which increases the surveillance of the government of the properties held by Muslim trustee, despite the vocal protests that the religious minority was distinguished for interference.

The bill would allow the appointment of non-Muslims of panels administering the trustees, called WAQF advice, and empowering state officials to be disputes.

Waqfs – whose legal basis in India is over 100 years old – is one of the largest landowners in the country, managing more than 800,000 properties covering nearly a million acres, according to government figures. A 2006 report commissioned by the government estimated the value of properties – which include mosques, religious seminars, cemeteries and other land often given by individuals – with more than $ 14 billion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party said the changes in the way the trusts were necessary to improve efficiency and responsibility and prevent abuse.

Before presenting the bill in the Parliament for a vote, Kiren Rijiju, Indian Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, said that legislation was not an attack on Muslim rights but a necessary reform to protect WAQF assets against abuse.

“This is transparency, no interference,” said Rijiju.

Unlike the previous quarter of Mr. Modi, when he used an absolute majority to push the legislation by parliament with often heavy speed, the WAQF bill underwent months of deliberation. He also experienced two days of passionate but cordial debate which went well after midnight every day before the vote.