New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) focusing on the Waqf Bill is scheduled to meet on Monday at 11 a.m. for a detailed clause-by-clause discussion regarding the proposed legislation.

This meeting follows proposals from both ruling and opposition members for 444 amendments to the 44 clauses of the Bill, indicating an impending contentious debate.

JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal informed IANS, "The clause-by-clause amendments proposed by the government will be reviewed during the Waqf Board meeting. We aim to finalize the discussion today."

He emphasized the thorough consultations undertaken, stating, "Over the last six months, the JPC has collaborated with all relevant stakeholders and states. The proposed amendments from parliamentarians will be discussed, irrespective of whether they support or oppose them."

Pal underscored that in the absence of a consensus, the committee would resort to voting.

"We will reach a decision, and the clause will be approved," he asserted, adding that the JPC report would be timely submitted while considering all stakeholder concerns.

Key points of disagreement regarding the Waqf Bill involve the Waqf Board's structure and specific provisions for certain sects, including the Aga Khanis and Shias.

Opposition members have fiercely contested the suggestion for distinct Waqf boards for these communities, resulting in notable discord within the committee.

The upcoming meeting is anticipated to be contentious, especially after Friday’s session saw the suspension of 10 opposition MPs for one day. These members alleged that Pal exhibited bias during the proceedings.

Among those suspended were TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee, Nasir Hussain and Md Jawed of Congress, DMK’s A Raja and M Abdullah, along with AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi.

With tensions escalating, the committee meeting could potentially lead to chaotic scenes as they strive to meet a deadline for report submission by the conclusion of the upcoming budget session.