This news article details the clearance of the proposed Waqf amendment bill by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in India. Key points from the article include:

Highlights:
- Significant Amendment:
- The proposed amendment eliminates the concept of “Waqf by user,” which allowed certain properties used for religious purposes to be designated as Waqf properties.
- Existing Waqf properties will remain unaffected under the revised bill.
- Amendment Process:
- The JPC adopted 14 amendments proposed by the BJP-led NDA.
- Opposition members introduced numerous amendments to the 44 clauses of the bill, all of which were defeated through voting.
- Statements by the Chair:
- Committee Chairman Jagdambika Pal highlighted the democratic process of clause-by-clause discussions and expressed confidence in the amendments enhancing the law.
- Opposition Reactions:
- TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee criticized the proceedings, alleging a lack of transparency, disregard for rules, and bias towards the ruling party.
- Banerjee described the process as undemocratic, calling it a “black day of democracy” and accusing Pal of destroying democratic norms.
- Deadlines and Delays:
- The JPC report was initially due by November 29 but has been extended to the final day of Parliament’s Budget Session on February 13.
- Controversy:
- Previous JPC meetings witnessed discord, with opposition members accusing the Chair of favoring the ruling party during deliberations.
The Waqf amendment bill continues to generate significant political debate, reflecting deep divisions between the ruling and opposition parties over its provisions and the legislative process.
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