Lok Sabha Confrontation Over JPC's Authority in Waqf Bill Amendments, Home Minister Defends Government's Position
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Synopsis
The Lok Sabha was filled with protests as the Waqf Amendment Bill was introduced. Home Minister Amit Shah defended the government's actions against the Opposition's claims of undermining constitutional processes, emphasizing the legitimacy of the JPC's role in proposing amendments.
Key Takeaways
- Opposition protests against the Waqf Amendment Bill introduction.
- Amit Shah defends the government's legislative actions.
- JPC's authority to amend bills questioned by the Opposition.
- Speaker Om Birla affirms the JPC's powers in legislation.
- Historical context of Joint Committees under Congress compared to NDA.
New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) As Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju presented the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, the session was marked by loud protests from the Opposition, which led Home Minister Amit Shah to respond to the allegations.
The Opposition claimed that the government was forcing the legislation through without allowing sufficient time for discussion.
N.K. Chandran, an RSP leader from Kerala, voiced strong objections to the amendments proposed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) regarding the Waqf Bill, criticizing the government for ‘ignoring’ the constitutional requirements.
“New clauses have been added to the Waqf bill by the JPC. We are not discussing the original bill,” he stated.
He challenged the JPC’s authority to include 'new and unrelated' provisions in the bill, arguing it exceeds its jurisdiction and mandate to introduce any clauses.
“Even Parliament lacks the power to add a new provision without suspending Rule 81. The JPC can recommend changes, but it cannot modify the essence of the bill,” he emphasized.
Home Minister Amit Shah promptly dismissed the Opposition’s claims as unfounded and unproven, asserting that if the JPC were unable to propose changes, the entire objective of thorough discussions would be compromised.
“It was the Union Cabinet that endorsed the Waqf Amendment Bill and introduced it in the Lok Sabha last year. It was later sent to the JPC based on the Opposition's requests. Its recommendations were subsequently sent back to the Union Cabinet for approval. This is when the Minority Affairs Minister re-submitted the bill. Therefore, nothing is illegal,” Amit Shah clarified.
He also took a pointed jab at the Congress, claiming that Joint Committees during their administration were merely symbolic, unlike the current NDA's approach.
“These are genuinely democratic entities, where proper discussions and brainstorming sessions occur. What is the purpose of the Committee if there is no debate and discussion?” HM Shah added.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also dismissed the Opposition’s objections regarding the ‘new clauses’ from the JPC, clarifying the law.
“Joint Parliamentary Committees have extensive powers to amend any legislation. These committees can modify any legislation or propose an entire overhaul, as long as the fundamental principles remain intact,” the Speaker informed the House.
“They can even change the title of legislation; recent events have seen numerous such amendments,” he concluded.
