AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress MP Mohammed Jawed have filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the newly passed Waqf Amendment Bill.
The controversial bill, cleared after marathon debates of over 12 hours each in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 2 and 3, now awaits the Presidentโs assent to become law.
According to the petitioners, the bill threatens the core structure of the Waqf system, which is constitutionally protected and historically rooted. Opposition parties argue that the changes were pushed through without meaningful consultation or debate.
๐ฃ๏ธ Opposition: โThis Bill Has Serious Flawsโ
During the Rajya Sabha debate, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge openly criticized the bill, stating, โIf the entire opposition rejects the bill, it signals fundamental flaws. The government cannot always bulldoze through using majority power.โ
Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh had also declared the partyโs intention to approach the apex court, a move now fulfilled. DMK, a key regional ally, has reportedly backed the challenge and may also file its own petition.
๐๏ธ PM Modi: “A Reform for Transparency and Justice”
Defending the bill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed its passage as a historic move toward โtransparency and justice for marginalised Muslims.โ
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
โFor decades, irregularities plagued Waqf properties. This new law will bring accountability and protect the rights of Pasmanda Muslims, especially women and the poor.โ
The government argues that the bill will allow non-Muslims and women to serve on Waqf Boards and establish greater oversight of Waqf properties, which span over 9.4 lakh hectares, making the Waqf Board Indiaโs third-largest landholder after Indian Railways and the Defence Ministry.
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