"Hope people in Munambam will get solace when Waqf Bill becomes law": KCBC's Father Thomas Tharayil

Kochi (Kerala) [India], April 3 (ANI): Father Thomas Tharayil from the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) on Thursday hoped that when the Waqf (Amendment) Bill becomes law, it will give solace to the people in Munambam in Ernakulam district, who are facing eviction after the State Waqf board claimed their lands where they have been living for decades.
He also expressed regrets for MPs from Kerala not heeding to the KCBC's appeal that they support such clauses in the Bill that solve issues like Munambam.
"When Waqf Amendment Bill becomes a law, only then we can see how much it helps the people of Munambam and likewise cases. KCBC had sent out an appeal to the MPs of Kerala requesting them to support the amendment when it comes to the Parliament. Unfortunately, they did not do so and voted against it," Father Thomas Tharayil told ANI.
"We had not asked to support the bill in its entirety but to support the clauses that cause issues like the Munambam issue... We are thankful that now the bill has been passed in the Lok Sabha and hope that when it becomes a law, it will give consolation to the people of Munambam," he added.
Around 610 families of Munambam, a coastal village in the Ernakulam district, have been protesting against the claim by the Waqf Board on their land.
The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 after a marathon and heated debate. During this debate, members of the INDIA bloc fiercely opposed the legislation, while the BJP and its allies strongly supported it, saying it would bring transparency and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards.
The House sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation. Speaker Om Birla later announced the division's result. "Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favour of the proposal," he said.
The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India.
It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. (ANI)