Joint Parliamentary Panel On Waqf Bill: Jagdambika Pal Rejects Opposition Allegations Of Norms Violation

Jagdambika Pal who chairs joint parliamentary committe on Waqf bill has rejected opposition allegations of violation of norms by him.

New Delhi:Jagdambika Pal, the chief of the Parliamentary panel on Waqf bill, on Wednesday rejected the Opposition's allegations he violated norms by going public about an incident at a meeting of the Committee where Trinamool Congress member Kalyan Banerjee smashed a glass bottle and hurled it at the chair.

"I have not revealed any proceedings or deliberations of the Committee. I have only made a statement about an incident of violence during the committee meeting by a member and his subsequent suspension," Pal told news agency PTI.

"I have always adhered to rules of parliamentary procedure and upheld the dignity of the House," Pal said.

He said as the chairman of the Joint Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, he made a statement on the incident of violence during the meeting of the panel on Tuesday involving a member and the subsequent action against him.

Earlier in the day, former Union Telecom Minister and DMK MP A Raja accused the chair of breaching the norms of the Parliamentary panel. He expressed his dissatisfaction on a post on X.

"It is unfortunate that the chairman of the Joint Working Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 conducted a press conference and transpired the proceedings/happenings in the meeting whatsoever; knowing fully well that the proceedings are confidential and not to be disclosed. Inspite of the unpleasant incident that took place in the meeting, the attitude and manner by which the meetings are conducted in haste by the chairman, create doubts in the mind of the members and public that Justice will not be secured. Let us fight to uphold our democratic and secular values despite the hurdles(sic)," he wrote.

On Monday, the Minorities Affairs Minister made an extensive presentation at a parliamentary panel meeting to address the queries of MPs on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with some opposition members arguing that the ministry's consultations over the years never called for a new law, PTI reported.

A batch of petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the insertion of words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Constitution in 1976 also cast a shadow on the meeting as heated words were exchanged after opposition MPs questioned the panel's decision to seek depositions from some lawyers behind the plea, drawing a reaction from BJP members.

A couple of opposition MPs claimed that the ministry in its last meeting over the issue in November last year had suggested administrative and technological measures to deal with complications arising out of the Act, the agency's report said.

DMK MP Kanimozhi in a post on X said that the conduct of Pal has led to doubts about the panel's ability to ensure fair and just outcomes.

"Concerns are rising over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 panel’s proceedings, as the chairman has been accused of hastily conducting meetings and violating norms by disclosing confidential discussions to the media.

"This has led to doubts about the panel’s ability to ensure fair and just outcomes, raising alarm among several members. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, which is seen by the government as an essential reform, has been met with strong opposition from various parties who argue that it could interfere with the religious rights of Muslims. The rushed process only intensifies these concerns," Kanimozhi said.