AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi has announced a “Switch Off Light” campaign On April 30 to protest against the Waqf Amendment Act, urging public participation in defense of fundamental rights and religious freedoms.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi announced a “switch off light” campaign scheduled on April 30 to protest against the Waqf Amendment Act.
Speaking to the media, Owaisi encouraged the public to participate by turning off their lights for 15 minutes starting at 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
MP said,
“Under the protest launched by All India Muslim Personal Law Board against Waqf Amendment Act 2025, a program has been launched to ‘switch off lights’ from 9 pm to 9.15 pm on 30th April to register protest against the Act. I appeal to the people to take part in this protest by switching off the lights of their houses/shops so that we can send a message to PM Modi that this Act is a violation of fundamental rights,”
He stated,
“All of you give a message that this black law has been made against fundamental rights. This is my appeal to everyone,”
Previously, on April 27, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) organized a protest against the Waqf Amendment Act in Kalaburagi, Karnataka. On April 25, the Union Government submitted a preliminary affidavit to the Supreme Court, seeking dismissal of petitions that challenge the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
The government argued that the law does not violate fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, asserting that the amendments pertain solely to the regulation of the secular aspects of property management, thereby not infringing on religious freedoms as outlined in Articles 25 and 26.
The Centre urged the court not to suspend any provisions of the Act, stating that constitutional courts typically refrain from staying statutory provisions and will ultimately resolve the matter.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 2 and 3, respectively, passed by both Houses, and received the President’s assent on April 5, becoming law.
However, several individuals, including Owaisi, have challenged the law in the Supreme Court.
Earlier, Today, The Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a fresh writ petition challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, emphasizing judicial discipline and procedural consistency.
The case was heard by a special bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar. Advocate Firoz Iqbal Khan appeared and attempted to highlight the significance of the term “Waqf,” stating that it originates from the Quran and needs proper explanation.
However, CJI Khanna interrupted, urging the advocate to stick to legal arguments, saying,
“Make your arguments in the case.”
Justice Sanjay Kumar clarified the Court’s position that no fresh writ petitions would be taken up at this stage. He remarked,
“We are not entertaining writs… if you want to argue something… argue in the case listed before us.”
The bench stressed that several cases challenging the Act were already pending. CJI Khanna informed the parties,
“Five cases have been registered… if you want to argue additional points, move impleadment applications… this way cases will just pile up.”
Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde suggested that any fresh submissions could be considered as interlocutory applications (IA), a suggestion the Court acknowledged. CJI Khanna also expressed concern over repetitive filings, observing,
“Some petitions are verbatim and same… please do some work.”
Despite Advocate Khan’s repeated attempts to speak on the issue, the bench advised him to follow due procedure rather than pressing arguments prematurely.
Justice Sanjay Kumar stated,
“Just file the application… why are you arguing now.”
The Court made it clear that all parties will be heard at the appropriate time but no standalone petitions will be entertained for now. Any additional points must be introduced through proper legal channels.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 has sparked multiple constitutional challenges over concerns related to religious rights, property laws, and civil liberties. The Supreme Court, however, is focused on managing the process efficiently, ensuring that hearings are conducted in an orderly and consolidated manner.
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