Fri Apr 04 16:15:29 UTC 2025: ## Owaisi Challenges Waqf Amendment Bill in Supreme Court, Calls it “Unconstitutional”
**New Delhi** – AIMIM chief and Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Owaisi alleges the bill, which allows for non-Muslim representation on Waqf boards, is a deliberate attempt by the BJP government to undermine Muslim rights rather than enact meaningful reform.
The bill, passed by the Rajya Sabha, allows for a significant number of non-Muslim members on both the central Waqf council and state Waqf boards. Owaisi argues this is discriminatory, pointing out that similar Hindu, Jain, and Sikh religious bodies do not have such provisions. He criticized the government for using its parliamentary majority to “destroy” rather than “reform” the Waqf system.
Owaisi also challenged the bill’s amendment to Section 40, which deals with the mismanagement of Waqf properties. He cited statistics showing limited use of the section and argued its removal is unjustified. He further criticized the bill’s alteration of the “Waqf by user” principle, a legal concept upheld by the Supreme Court, arguing it leaves Muslims vulnerable in protecting their properties.
Owaisi claimed the government rushed the bill’s passage, refusing to consider alternative viewpoints. He described the final legislation as “unconstitutional” and predicted its rejection by “right-thinking people.” Congress MP Mohammad Jawed has also filed a petition in the Supreme Court, echoing Owaisi’s concerns and labeling the bill a violation of fundamental Muslim rights. The Supreme Court is now expected to hear these challenges to the controversial legislation.
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