Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MPs decided to challenge the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025 in the Supreme Court. The bill was passed earlier this week after two days of intense discussion in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. RJD leaders say the bill goes against the rights of certain religious communities. They are now preparing to file a petition in the top court.
New Delhi: The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) plans to challenge the Waqf Act, 2025. in the Supreme Court, with Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and party leader Fayaz Ahmed filing a petition on behalf of the party.
They are set to approach the Supreme Court tomorrow to contest the bill’s provisions, which they believe could significantly affect the management of Waqf properties.
Following two days of intense debate, the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 was passed by Parliament this week. The Rajya Sabha approved the Bill on Friday with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, while the Lok Sabha also cleared it after a protracted discussion, with 288 members supporting the bill and 232 opposing it.
The Bill has generated considerable controversy among political factions, with various opposition parties voicing their opposition.
Previously, the Congress party initiated its own legal challenge against the bill in the Supreme Court, citing concerns over its potential impact on the management and oversight of Waqf properties in India.
Congress MP Mohammad Jawed filed a petition on April 4, arguing that the bill is discriminatory towards the Muslim community and infringes upon their fundamental rights. The plea claims the bill imposes restrictions on the Muslim community that are not applicable to other religious endowments.
Mr. Jawed, who was also a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, contends that the bill violates several constitutional articles, including Article 14 (right to equality), 25 (freedom to practice religion), 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs), 29 (minority rights), and 300A (right to property).
It states,
“The bill imposes arbitrary restrictions on Waqf properties and their management, thereby undermining the religious autonomy of the Muslim community,”
The plea further argues that the bill introduces limitations on creating Waqf based on the duration of religious practice.
Also Read: Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 Enacted | The President of India Gives Assent on April 5
On April 4, Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and MP from Hyderabad, also approached the Supreme Court to contest the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut announced on Saturday that his party would not take legal action against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, indicating that the matter is resolved from their perspective.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Raut stated,
“No. We have done our work. We have said what we had to say and made our decision. This file is closed for us now.”
He had previously criticized the Waqf Amendment Bill, describing it as a move more akin to trade than a genuine effort to protect Muslim interests.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has pledged to conduct nationwide protests against the Bill.
The AIMPLB announced,
“The government’s stance regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 is regrettable. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board will soon undertake nationwide protests and legal action against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025,”
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan also filed a petition in the Supreme Court on Saturday, challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025. Mr. Khan argues that the Bill restricts the religious and cultural autonomy of Muslims, allows for arbitrary executive interference, and undermines their rights to manage religious and charitable institutions.
His petition asserts that the amendments impact crucial aspects of waqf law, including definitions, creation, registration, governance, dispute resolution, and alienation of waqf properties.
The Association for Protection of Civil Rights, an NGO, has also filed a petition opposing the Bill in the Supreme Court.
President Droupadi Murmu granted her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as well as the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, which was also passed by Parliament.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2025 as a “watershed moment,” asserting that it would benefit marginalized groups who have been “denied both voice and opportunity.”
He stated,
“The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity.”
The Bill aims to improve the management of waqf properties, empower relevant stakeholders, enhance the efficiency of the survey, registration, and case disposal processes, and develop waqf properties. While its core objective is to manage waqf properties, it seeks to implement modern and scientific methods for better governance. The Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923 was also repealed.
Initially introduced in August of last year, the Bill underwent revisions based on recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee. It amends the original Waqf Act of 1995, focusing on streamlining the administration of Waqf properties across India.