The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has submitted a proposal to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, urging the enactment of a single law governing the endowments of all religious properties in the country rather than maintaining separate laws for different communities.
As the JPC conducts consultations with government officials, legal experts, and community representatives across the nation, the VHP's recommendation emphasises the need for a uniform approach to the management of religious properties.
In its submission, the VHP highlighted that various religious groups, including Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs, dedicate properties for maintaining places of worship and supporting charitable and religious activities, akin to the Waqf system in Islam.
The organisation argued that a unified law would align with the principles of the Uniform Civil Code outlined in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, fostering uniformity in the regulation of religious endowments across all communities.
The VHP criticised the historical context of the Waqf Act, asserting that it reflects a colonial-era practice of privileging a specific community through exclusive legislation. It argued that the current amendments to the Act provide an opportunity to expand its scope to include the endowments and charities of all religious groups, ensuring equitable treatment.
While acknowledging that certain exceptions may be necessary to address the unique traditions and practices of different religions, the organisation maintained that a comprehensive law would promote fairness and inclusivity.
The VHP also traced the origins of the Waqf Act to its introduction as a private member’s bill in Parliament, questioning the appropriateness of such legislation being limited to a single community. Referring to historical debates in Parliament, it emphasised past calls for an overarching law that governs religious and charitable endowments universally, urging the current committee to seize the opportunity to address this long-standing issue.