The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, faced calls from Opposition MPs on Wednesday to postpone its scheduled meetings on January 24 and 25 to the end of the month.
The MPs sought additional time to examine the contentious legislation and prepare amendments.
Senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP A Raja wrote to JPC Chairman Jagadambika Pal on behalf of Opposition members, requesting the meetings be rescheduled to January 30 and 31 to allow MPs to review materials and consider public input.
Raja highlighted that the committee had only recently completed stakeholder meetings in Patna, Kolkata, and Lucknow on January 23, leaving little time for members to submit amendments or prepare for detailed discussions. “The purpose of the JPC’s constitution will be defeated if its proceedings appear rushed, raising concerns about the secular fabric of the Constitution,” he noted.
The MPs were notified on January 20 to submit proposed amendments by January 24, a timeline Raja described as impractical. He added that stakeholders who participated in discussions had been granted a week to submit written suggestions, which the JPC has yet to circulate among members.
Raja also cited logistical issues, noting that MPs had returned to their constituencies after the JPC’s recent tours and were expected to fulfil local commitments. During the Lucknow session on January 21, several MPs reportedly suggested delaying the meetings for a more thorough review.
Opposition MPs expressed concerns over the short notice and raised the issue directly with Pal. A senior panel member told the media that customary practices allow 10-15 days for MPs to propose amendments before meetings.
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