The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has become the latest in a series of significant draft legislations to be referred to a joint committee of Parliament since 2015. Facing objections from various opposition parties regarding its provisions, the government decided on Thursday to send the Bill to a joint panel for further scrutiny.

Speaker Om Birla announced that he will consult with leaders of political parties to form the committee. When one House of Parliament refers a Bill to a joint committee, it informs the other House to nominate members for the panel.

The joint committee examines the Bill clause by clause, similar to the process in both Houses. Members of the committee can propose amendments to different clauses, and the committee may also gather evidence from associations, public bodies, or experts interested in the Bill.

After completing its review, the committee submits a report to the House. Members who disagree with the majority opinion can submit a dissenting report.

Past examples of bills referred to joint committees include the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, and the Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws. Most recently, the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, was also sent to a joint panel for review.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has become the latest in a series of significant draft legislations to be referred to a joint committee of Parliament since 2015. Facing objections from various opposition parties regarding its provisions, the government decided on Thursday to send the Bill to a joint panel for further scrutiny.

Speaker Om Birla announced that he will consult with leaders of political parties to form the committee. When one House of Parliament refers a Bill to a joint committee, it informs the other House to nominate members for the panel.

The joint committee examines the Bill clause by clause, similar to the process in both Houses. Members of the committee can propose amendments to different clauses, and the committee may also gather evidence from associations, public bodies, or experts interested in the Bill.

After completing its review, the committee submits a report to the House. Members who disagree with the majority opinion can submit a dissenting report.

Past examples of bills referred to joint committees include the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, and the Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws. Most recently, the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, was also sent to a joint panel for review.