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Government Withdraws Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill, 2014 in Rajya Sabha

In a significant move, the government on Thursday withdrew the Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill, 2014, from the Rajya Sabha. The bill, initially introduced with the aim of establishing a legal framework for the eviction of unauthorized occupants from waqf properties, had been pending for nearly a decade.

The Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill, 2014, was first introduced in the Rajya Sabha on February 18, 2014, by the then Minister of Minority Affairs, K Rahman Khan. The bill sought to create a mechanism that would facilitate the removal of individuals or entities unlawfully occupying properties under waqf—a charitable endowment under Islamic law.

Following its introduction, the bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice on March 5, 2014, for further examination and recommendations. However, despite its initial momentum, the bill did not progress to a final vote, and its status remained in legislative limbo for years.

The decision to withdraw the bill comes after several rounds of deliberations and reflects the government’s assessment of the legal and practical complexities surrounding the issue of waqf properties. While the bill aimed to address concerns over unauthorized occupation of these properties, it also faced criticism and concerns from various quarters about its potential impact and implementation challenges.

The withdrawal of the bill may prompt the government to explore alternative legislative or administrative measures to address the issue of unauthorized occupation of waqf properties, which remains a contentious and unresolved matter.

The Rajya Sabha’s decision to withdraw the bill underscores the evolving legal and political landscape surrounding waqf properties in India. As the government reassesses its approach, stakeholders and community leaders are likely to remain vigilant and engaged in any future developments related to waqf legislation.

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