Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress MP Mohammad Jawed move SC
PTC Web Desk: Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi have approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The legislation was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favour and 95 against on Thursday, following its approval in the Lok Sabha on April 3, where it secured 288 votes while 232 members opposed it.
Jawed’s petition argues that the Bill places “arbitrary restrictions” on Waqf properties and their administration, impacting the religious rights of the Muslim community. Filed through advocate Anas Tanwir, the plea further contends that the Bill discriminates against Muslims by imposing limitations not found in the regulation of other religious endowments.
Similarly, Owaisi has challenged the Bill on the grounds that it violates the fundamental rights of Muslims. As per Live Law, his petition states that the amendments pose a direct threat to religious freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also confirmed that his party would soon move the Supreme Court against the Bill, citing concerns over its constitutionality. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh wrote, “The INC will very soon be challenging in the Supreme Court the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. We are confident and will continue to resist all assaults of the Modi Govt on the principles, provisions, and practices that are contained in the Constitution of India.”
Ramesh also referenced other legal battles taken up by Congress, including challenges to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019, amendments to the Right to Information Act (2005), changes to the Conduct of Election Rules (2024), and the ongoing intervention to uphold the Places of Worship Act (1991).
- With inputs from agencies
