Today, On 7th April, The DMK has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025. The party argues that the amendment is an attempt to alter property rights under the pretext of reform. DMK MP A Raja, who submitted the plea, said the law threatens minority rights. The petition seeks the court’s intervention to strike down the amendment.
New Delhi: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) submitted a petition to the Supreme Court contesting the Central government’s amendment to the Waqf Act.
This action comes after the Lok Sabha approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, which has faced significant opposition from the DMK and various other political parties.
A Raja, the DMK’s Lok Sabha Chief and Deputy General Secretary, filed the petition on behalf of the party. During his address in the Lok Sabha on April 2, Raja launched a fierce critique of the bill, labeling it a direct threat to minority rights and the integrity of the judiciary.
He specifically targeted Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju’s defense of the bill, accusing him of presenting a “cock-and-bull story” to Parliament.
Raja argued that the amendment was an attempt to change property rights under the guise of reform, undermining the existing legal protections for minority institutions. He called on the government to uphold India’s secular and constitutional values, warning that the bill could have lasting adverse effects on the country’s democratic framework.
Raja emphasized,
“If we want to preserve India’s democratic and secular character, we must stand against attempts to blur the lines between governance and religion,”
The DMK’s leader, Chief Minister MK Stalin, also expressed strong opposition to the bill, condemning its passage during late-night hours in the Lok Sabha.
The bill was approved with a vote of 288-232 after a lengthy 12-hour debate, during which BJP MLAs staged a walkout in protest while Stalin was speaking.
Stalin characterized the bill’s passage at 2 AM as an assault on the Constitution and a setback for India’s secular framework. On April 3, he, along with DMK MLAs and allies, wore black badges in protest at the Tamil Nadu Assembly. He asserted that the significant number of votes against the bill should not be overlooked.
Stalin declared
“This is an attempt to disturb communal harmony in the country, The DMK will challenge this bill in the Supreme Court.”
The legal dispute is now headed to the Supreme Court, where the DMK seeks to have the amendment set-aside.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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