New Delhi: The issue of Waqf board is being discussed before the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) after Opposition parties and Muslim organisations opposed amendments to the Waqf bill 2024. Muslim groups have alleged that the Narendra Modi government is trying to interfere in their religious affairs which includes Waqf board. Waqf is a charitable endowment under Islamic laws.
However, there is one sect among the Muslim community that wants separation from the Waqf board claiming special status. And that sect is the Dawoodi Bohra community. The members of the community belong to both Shia and Sunni sect among Muslims.
Why Bohras want to be kept out of Waqf purview?
The Dawoodi Bohra community claims they have a special status in the Indian Constitution. Senior lawyer Harish Salve had made representation before the JPC and argued that the faith and religious practices of the Dawoodi Bohra Community has been protect by the judiicary under Article 26 of the Indian Constitution. The community claims they have a distinct structure and are considered a sub-sect among the Muslims.
Proposed law does not recognise their special status
According to the media reports, Salve told the joint parliamentary committee that the proposed Waqf (amendments) bill 2024 does not recognise their special status and hence they should be kept out of the proposed legislation.
Harish Salve made the written submission before the JPC led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. In his submission, Salve reportedly told the committee that Dawoodi Bohra Community is a tightly-knit” denomination and the community does not need regulations that other sects in the Muslim community require.
Concept of 'Al-Dai al-Mutlaq'
The submission by Salve on behalf of the community claimed the proposed legislation contravenes the ‘distinctive structure’ of the Bohra community.
Salve also argued before the JPC that the community has a concept of institution of ‘Al-Dai al-Mutlaq’, a living leader who enjoys absolute power in the community and Waqf board should not be allowed to have a say in the properties owned by the community.
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