New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) has extended its support to the proposed amendments to the Central Waqf Act, stating that certain provisions in the existing law contradict the Constitution and the country’s secular democratic values.
The CBCI also appealed to political parties to address the matter with an impartial and constructive perspective.

The statement from the prominent Christian bishops body comes as the government seeks to table the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated the government's commitment to presenting the Bill, while also alleging that some groups were "misleading Muslims" regarding its intent.

Dispute over Waqf land in Kerala's Munambam
Referring to a contentious land dispute in Kerala, the CBCI highlighted that the state’s Waqf Board had invoked existing legal provisions to classify ancestral residential properties of over 600 families in the Munambam region as Waqf land.

"Over the past three years, this issue has escalated into a complex legal dispute. The fact remains that only a legal amendment can provide a permanent solution, and this must be recognised by the people's representatives," the CBCI stated.

With the Bill set to be tabled in Parliament, the CBCI urged lawmakers to take an "unbiased and constructive approach" to the matter.

The organisation further emphasised that land ownership in Munambam should be fully restored to the affected residents.

"Any provisions or laws that contradict the principles of the Indian Constitution must be amended. At the same time, the rights of religious minorities, as guaranteed by the Constitution, must be safeguarded," it said.

Earlier, the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) had also urged the state's Members of Parliament to support the proposed amendments and vote in favour of revising what it called "unconstitutional and unjust provisions" in the existing Waqf Act.

Government welcomes support for Bill
The endorsement from the Catholic bishops was met with approval from Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Kiren Rijiju.

Rijiju stressed that the Bill does not target any community, dismissing contrary claims as an attempt to "poison minds”. "It is the duty of those in politics to care for and address problems and challenges faced by our people," he stated.

Sitharaman also welcomed the KCBC’s position, saying, "A welcome step by the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC). Their call is for amending the sections which are unfair and anti-constitutional in the existing Waqf Act."
PTI