12 PILs filed so far; chaos in J&K Assembly as NC MLA tears Bill copy.
The Supreme Court on Monday said it will consider urgent listing of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the recently enacted Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. The law has sparked protests across at least eight states and led to dramatic scenes in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, urged the Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, for an urgent hearing. The CJI responded that the matter should be formally communicated via letter or email, following the current court procedure, which no longer permits oral mentions for urgent listing. Sibal replied that the required communications had already been made. The CJI assured that the court would review them and take a decision.
Over a Dozen Petitions Filed
Apart from Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, at least 11 other petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court against the new law. Jamiat also indicated that its state units would be approaching respective High Courts to challenge the legislation.
Uproar in J&K Assembly
The political heat reached the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly, where a National Conference (NC) MLA tore up a copy of the Waqf Bill during a heated protest. Another MLA even tore his jacket in protest and waved it in the House. The Speaker was forced to adjourn proceedings for the day. NC and other parties have proposed a resolution against the law.
BJP Leader’s House Attacked in Manipur
Tensions boiled over in Manipur as well. In Thoubal district, a mob vandalised and set fire to the residence of BJP Minority Morcha state president Asgar Ali Makakmayum over his support for the Waqf law.
Timeline of the Bill’s Passage
The Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on April 2 and in the Rajya Sabha the following day, after nearly 12 hours of debate in each House. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent late on April 5, and the gazette notification was issued soon after. The implementation date will be notified separately by the central government.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, while defending the Bill, said its aim is to curb bias, misuse, and encroachment of Waqf properties. In the Rajya Sabha, 128 members supported the Bill while 95 opposed it. In the Lok Sabha, 288 MPs voted in favour, and 232 voted against.
Opposition and Civil Society Outrage
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) strongly opposed the Bill and issued a two-page statement on Saturday, calling it a “direct attack on Islamic values, religious freedom, and constitutional integrity.” It announced a nationwide protest movement starting April 11 in collaboration with various religious and civil society groups, demanding complete rollback of the amendments.
The Board stated: “The Bill undermines communal harmony and exposes the secular mask of those supporting the BJP’s communal agenda.”
Key Reactions and Diverging Views
Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan backed the new law, stating that Waqf properties belong to Allah and should benefit the public, including non-Muslims. In contrast, Jamiat’s president Maulana Arshad Madani questioned why Hindus were being included in Waqf Boards and confirmed that a fresh petition was filed in the Supreme Court on Sunday.
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