New Delhi, April 7: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi have filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
This brings the number of petitions against the Act to over 10, with several prominent figures, including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, already seeking legal intervention.
The DMK, represented by its deputy general secretary A Raja, issued a statement criticizing the passing of the Act despite significant opposition. The party argues that the law infringes on the rights of millions of Muslims, particularly 50 lakh in Tamil Nadu and 20 crore nationwide.
Earlier, the Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, agreed to consider an urgent hearing for petitions from Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Owaisi, and others.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, received presidential assent on April 5, following intense debates in Parliament. The AIMPLB, which filed its petition late on April 6, argues the amendments are arbitrary and discriminatory, violating fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind also expressed concerns, calling the law a "dangerous conspiracy" to undermine religious freedom. Samastha Kerala Jamiath ul Ulema, a Sunni Muslim group, labeled the law an intrusion into the rights of religious denominations to manage their affairs.
The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, while the Lok Sabha cleared it with 288 votes in favor and 232 opposing.
AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan has also filed a plea, arguing the law violates multiple constitutional articles, including those ensuring equality, religious freedom, and the right to manage religious affairs.
