Thu Apr 10 05:26:02 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court Challenge Mounts Against New Waqf Amendment Act

**New Delhi, April 10, 2025** – The constitutionality of the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is facing a significant legal challenge. Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, arguing that several provisions violate fundamental rights. The petition, supported by Advocate Suleman Khan, specifically targets the removal of “Waqf by user,” the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf councils, and a five-year embargo on Muslims holding certain positions.

Mr. Khan contends that these amendments arbitrarily interfere with the religious affairs of the Muslim community and could lead to the unjust seizure of Muslim-owned properties. He highlighted concerns about the unconstitutionality of allowing non-Muslim participation in Waqf governance.

Mr. Barq’s petition joins several others filed by opposition leaders, including AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi, AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, Congress MP Mohammed Jawed, and RJD MLA Muhammad Izhar Asfi, all challenging the Act’s validity.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which came into effect on April 8th, passed the Upper House after a 12-hour debate with a vote of 128 in favor and 95 against. The Act aims to modify the existing Waqf Act of 1995 and its 2013 amendment, which govern Waqf properties and establish specialized Waqf Tribunals. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the petitions challenging the new amendments in the near future.

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