.png){kind=logo}
New Delhi [India], April 6 (ANI): The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) plans to contest the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Supreme Court. Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and party leader Fayaz Ahmed have filed a petition on behalf of the party.
Tomorrow, Monday, the pair plans to challenge the bill's clauses before the supreme court, contending that these provisions might substantially affect the administration of Waqf assets.
The proposed Waqf Amendment Bill has ignited debate among various political groups, as multiple opposition parties have voiced their disapproval.
Previously, the Congress Party had launched a legal challenge against the bill in the Supreme Court, voicing apprehensions about how it might affect the administration and supervision of Waqf properties across India.
On April 4, Congress Member of Parliament Mohammad Jawed submitted a petition to the Supreme Court contesting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. He argued that the bill discriminates against the Muslim community and infringes upon their constitutional rights.
The petition argued that the law unfairly targets the Muslim community by enforcing limitations not applicable to other religious institutions' management.
Javed was additionally part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee responsible for reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The petition submitted via lawyer Anas Tanwir argues that the legislation breaches Articles 14 (equality before law), 25 (freedom to profess and propagate one’s faith), 26 (rights to administer religious institutions), 29 (protection of cultural and educational rights for minorities), and 300A (right to property) of the Constitution.
The legislation introduces capricious limitations on Waqf assets and their administration, consequently eroding the spiritual self-governance of the Muslim populace, it further stated.
As stated in the plea, the legislation imposes limitations on establishing Waqf properties depending on the length of time an individual has practiced their religion.
On April 4, Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen and Member of Parliament from Hyderabad, filed a petition with the Supreme Court opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025.
On Saturday, Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut stated that the party has decided not to challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, at the Supreme Court. This stance suggests that the issue is considered resolved from the party’s perspective.
Addressing the press, Raut stated, "No. Our task has been completed. We've expressed our views and reached a conclusion. The matter is closed from our perspective," he emphasized.
On Friday, he vehemently criticized the Waqf Amendment Bill approved by the Parliament, describing it as an action more like commerce or trade instead of a sincere attempt to safeguard Muslim interests.
The legislation has been approved by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and now requires President Droupadi Murmu's signature to be enacted as law.
On X, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board announced plans for nationwide protests against the Bill.
The government’s position on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 is disappointing. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board plans to organize national-level demonstrations and take legal steps against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025,” stated the AIMPLB.
On Saturday, Amanatullah Khan, an MLA from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), submitted a petition to the Supreme Court (SC) contesting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The bill has been approved by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and now requires President Droupadi Murmu’s endorsement to be enacted as law. Following two days of intense debates in both parliamentary chambers, the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 was successfully passed.
The AAP MLA Khan argues that the legislation restricts the religious and cultural self-governance of Muslims, allows for unchecked governmental intervention, and diminishes minorities' ability to oversee their religious and philanthropic organizations.
As stated in the petition, these revisions impact fundamental elements of waqf law, such as defining, establishing, registering, managing, resolving disputes related to, and transferring ownership of waqf assets.
An NGO called the Association for Protection of Civil Rights has additionally submitted a plea to the Supreme Court against the Bill.
President Droupadi Murmu approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was enacted by Parliament during the budget session. She also granted her approval for the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, another legislation that had been passed by Parliament.
The Law Ministry announcements made on Saturday stated that the President has approved both of these bills.
On Friday, the Rajya Sabha approved the Bill, garnering 128 votes in support and 95 against. Meanwhile, following an extensive discussion, the Lok Sabha ratified the legislation with 288 representatives voting in favor and 232 opposed.
Previously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the approval of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2025 marks a "significant turning point," adding that this development will assist those who have long been "deprived of both their voices and opportunities."
The approval of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both chambers of Parliament represents a significant turning point in our joint pursuit of social equity, openness, and comprehensive development. These measures are expected to benefit individuals who have historically been marginalized, thereby granting them greater access to expression and opportunities," stated Prime Minister Modi in an X platform post.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has been approved. This legislation aims to enhance the administration of waqf assets, strengthen the role of involved parties, boost the effectiveness of surveys, registrations, and dispute resolution processes, and promote the development of waqf properties.
Although the primary objective is still to oversee waqf estates, the intention is to adopt contemporary and scientific approaches for improved administration. Consequently, the Mussalman Wakf Act from 1923 has been abolished.
The legislation, initially presented in August of the previous year, underwent revisions based on suggestions from a Joint Parliamentary Committee. This amendment updates the initial Waqf Act from 1995 with the objective of simplifying the management of Waqf estates throughout India. Notable aspects encompass refining the registration procedures as well as integrating technological advancements to boost the operational effectiveness of Waqf boards.
This legislation seeks to address the inadequacies of the prior act and boost the effectiveness of Waqf boards by refining the registration procedures and amplifying the use of technology for handling Waqf documentation. (ANI)
