Former Chief Election Commissioner Dr. S.Y. Quraishi has slammed the Waqf Act, calling it a “blatantly evil plan by the government to grab Muslim lands.” He expressed hope that the Supreme Court will strike it down and criticised the role of misinformation in shaping public opinion.
Former Chief Election Commissioner Dr. S.Y. Quraishi criticised the controversial Wakf Act, calling it a calculated move by the government to take over Muslim-owned lands.
His remarks come amid growing debates surrounding the legality and constitutionality of the Wakf laws currently under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court of India.
Also Read: Waqf Amendment Act| Supreme Court to Hear Five Petitions
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Quraishi stated,
“Wakf Act is undoubtedly a blatantly sinister / evil plan of the govt to grab Muslim lands. I’m sure SC will call it out. Misinformation by the mischievous propaganda machine has done its job well.”
Several individuals, political leaders, and organisations have moved the court to challenge the Waqf Amendment Act. Among the petitioners are AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress MP Md Jawed, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha, TMC MP Mahua Moitra, and other prominent figures.
Various groups such as the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, and the Association for Protection of Civil Rights are also part of the challenge.
Political parties including the DMK, Indian Union Muslim League, YSR Congress Party, and the Communist Party of India have extended their support to the petitions.
Additionally, Delhi MLA Amanatullah Khan, SP MP Zia Ur Rehman, the Imam of Bengaluru’s Jama Masjid, and Tamil actor and TVK President Vijay have also approached the court.
On the other hand, the States of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh have filed applications to support the Waqf Amendment Act. The Central Government has submitted a caveat, requesting the court to hear its side before issuing any interim orders.
The Waqf Amendment Bill was passed after a 12-hour-long debate, securing 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
On August 8, 2024, two significant legislative proposals, namely the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, were introduced in the Lok Sabha. These bills aim to enhance the efficiency of Waqf Board operations and ensure better management of Waqf properties across India.
Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, who served as the 17th Chief Election Commissioner of India and is known for his secular and inclusive views, has openly expressed concern over the way the Wakf Act is being portrayed and potentially misused.