Waqf Bill: Clarity sought on terms of reference of JPC

Sub: Polity

Sec: Parliament

Context:

Experts have questioned the nature of the joint parliamentary committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, and have demanded clarity on its functioning.
Unlike the previous JPCs, no terms of reference have been announced so far for the 31-member panel.
The joint committee has to make a report to Parliament by the last day of the first week of the winter session.

Joint Parliamentary Committee

JPC is an ad-hoc Committee, established by the Parliament to conduct a thorough examination of a specific subject or Bill.
It is dissolved after its term ends.
It consists of members from both Houses as well as from the ruling and opposition parties and is chaired by a member of the Lok Sabha who is appointed by the Speaker.
The Parliament determines the composition of the JPC, and there is no set limit on the number of members.
The committee’s recommendations are advisory and not mandatory for the government to follow.