Today, On 3rd April, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that the DMK will challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Supreme Court. The decision comes amid concerns over the bill’s impact on religious and property rights. Stalin emphasized the party’s commitment to protecting secularism and minority interests. The move is expected to spark legal and political debates in the coming days.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced on Thursday that they will challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Supreme Court.
The Lok Sabha passed the bill in the early hours after a 12-hour debate, with 288 members voting in favor and 232 against.
DMK MLAs and legislators from allied parties wore black badges in the assembly on Thursday to protest the bill’s passage. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs staged a walkout in response to Stalin’s speech.
Stalin stated,
“Most political parties in India have opposed the bill. It is severely condemnable that this Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in parliament despite much opposition. Though the Bill has been passed, we should not overlook the number of votes against it… This is an attempt to disturb communal harmony in the country. Let me tell this House that the DMK will challenge the Bill in the Supreme Court,”
On Wednesday, Stalin sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the central government to withdraw the proposed bill entirely.
Also Read: LEGAL EXPLAINER| Waqf & The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024: Key Legal Changes & Impact
He argued that the “Waqf Amendment Bill undermines the Constitution by failing to protect the rights of Muslims,” and urged the Prime Minister to take action against it.
Stalin wrote,
“The proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995, have not taken into consideration the constitutional protection given to Minorities and are bound to severely harm the interest of the Muslim community,”
The introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha has triggered significant political and legal debates, with experts raising concerns over its constitutional validity and broader implications.
The bill, tabled by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, has been met with sharp criticism, particularly from legal scholars and senior advocates who anticipate potential legal challenges.
Given the widespread objections from legal experts and religious groups, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is expected to face legal scrutiny and potential constitutional challenges. The bill’s provisions, particularly concerning Article 26 rights, the Limitation Act’s applicability, Waqf board restructuring, and doctrinal changes, are likely to be debated extensively both inside and outside the courtroom.
With increasing opposition from legal scholars, religious organizations, and political entities, the bill’s future remains uncertain. Whether the government will amend controversial provisions or defend them in court will determine the next phase of this contentious legislative proposal.
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