India's lower house approves new Muslim law

The lower house of the Indian Parliament has passed the "Endowments (Amendment) Bill" that will change the system of administration of Muslim endowment properties, the BBC reports.

The new law mainly seeks to reorganize the management of waqf properties, such as mosques, madrasas, and lands set aside by Muslims for the welfare of the community.

The bill, which was introduced by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, was supported by 288 MPs and opposed by 232. It will now go to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) for consideration. If approved, it is expected to be signed by President Droupadi Murmu.

According to official data, there are 872,351 waqf sites in India, covering a total area of over 940,000 acres. The total value of waqfs is estimated at over 1.2 trillion rupees ($14.22 billion).