Which of the following changes does the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 propose?  1. The Bill removes the requirement for Members of Parliament (MPs), retired judges, and eminent persons to be Muslim in the Central Waqf Council.  2. The expert in Muslim law will remain as a member of the Tribunal.  3. No appeals will be allowed against Tribunal decisions.  How many of the statements given above are correct?

Solution

Statement 1 is correct: Composition of the Central Waqf Council: The Union Minister in-charge of waqf is the ex-officio chairperson.  • Council members include: ƒ Members of Parliament (MPs). ƒ Persons of national eminence. ƒ Retired Supreme Court/High Court judges. ƒ Eminent scholars in Muslim law. ƒ The Bill removes the Muslim requirement for MPs, former judges, and eminent persons. ƒ The Bill mandates two non-Muslim members in the Council.  • Composition of Waqf Boards: ƒ Empowers state governments to nominate one person from each group. ƒ Non-Muslim members required: two. ƒ Must include at least one member each from Shias, Sunnis, and Backward Muslim classes. ƒ Requires two Muslim women members.  • Composition of Tribunals: ƒ Removes the expert in Muslim law. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct. ƒ District Court judge (Chairman). ƒ Joint Secretary rank officer.  • Appeals Against Tribunal Orders: ƒ Act: Decisions of Tribunals are final, with no appeals allowed in courts. ƒ Bill: Allows appeals against Tribunal decisions to the High Court within 90 days. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.