The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been granted an extension to submit its final report by the last day of the Budget Session in 2025. The resolution for the extension was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, November 28. The decision followed a walkout by opposition members of the committee, who criticised the JPC chairperson, Jagdambika Pal, for claiming that the panel’s draft report was ready.

On November 27, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal stated that the committee had reached a consensus but needed more time to consult with additional stakeholders, including six states where disputes exist between Waqf boards and state governments. "We feel that there is a need to extend the deadline," Pal told reporters after the meeting.

The committee is expected to visit various states to meet different stakeholders before finalising its report. BJP MP and committee member Aparajita Sarangi confirmed that the panel would request Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to allow an extension of the submission deadline until the end of the Budget Session in 2025.

Earlier, following a meeting on November 21, Pal had stated that the draft report was ready. He indicated that the committee had completed its consultations with stakeholders and would now focus on reviewing the draft, with any necessary revisions before adoption.

However, opposition members strongly opposed Pal's statement in the November 27 meeting, leading to a walkout. They argued that Speaker Birla had previously assured them that the committee's tenure would be extended.

The committee was constituted on August 8, shortly after the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha. Opposition parties have vehemently criticised the proposed amendments, claiming that they infringe upon the religious rights of Muslims.