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NATION POLITICS

PM Modi Lauds Waqf Amendment Bill as Historic, Opposition Calls It Unconstitutional; Can Supreme Court Become a Hurdle?

The Waqf Amendment Bill, passed by both Houses, is being celebrated by PM Modi as a step toward justice and transparency. However, the opposition slams it as unconstitutional and plans to challenge it in the Supreme Court.

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Waqf Amendment Bill

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The Parliament has passed the Waqf Amendment Bill, sparking both celebration and controversy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed it as a transformative step toward transparency and inclusion. However, the opposition sees the bill as a direct attack on the rights of the minority community. With Congress and other parties preparing to move to the Supreme Court, a new legal battle may be on the horizon.

Let’s break down what the bill means, why it has triggered political outrage, and whether the Supreme Court can really block its implementation.

Parliament Clears Waqf Amendment Bill

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 has now been cleared by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha after intense debates that lasted nearly 26 hours in total.

In Rajya Sabha, the bill passed with 128 votes in favour and 95 against. Earlier, the Lok Sabha approved it with 288 votes for and 232 against.

With this, the Parliament has paved the way for major changes to the Waqf Act of 1995 while repealing the older Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923.

Now, the bill is awaiting Presidential assent. Once President Droupadi Murmu signs it, the bill will become law, officially amending the legal framework governing Waqf properties in India.

PM Modi Lauds the Bill, Calls It a Step Towards Justice and Inclusion

Soon after its passage, PM Modi shared his thoughts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), calling the Waqf Amendment Bill a "historic moment" for the country.

He wrote, “The passage of the Wakf (Amendment) Bill and the Muslim Waqf (Repeal) Bill by both the Houses of Parliament is a historic moment for the country. It brings forth our collective commitment to socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth.”

The Prime Minister emphasised that the bill will especially benefit the poor, marginalised, and Pasmanda Muslim communities. He expressed gratitude to MPs who took part in the discussions and those who submitted suggestions to the Parliamentary Committee.

He added, “For decades, there was a lack of transparency and accountability in the Waqf system. This was causing great harm to the interests of our Muslim mothers and sisters, poor and Pasmanda Muslim brothers and sisters. Now the bill passed by Parliament will not only increase transparency but also help in protecting the rights of the people.”

In a final tweet, PM Modi underlined that this marks a new era aligned with “social justice” and aimed at building an empowered and inclusive India.

Opposition Cries Foul, Labels Waqf Bill Unconstitutional

On the other hand, the opposition parties have strongly objected to the bill. The Congress, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), and other groups believe that the bill is an attempt to weaken minority rights.

Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi stated, “They have misused the majority and the bill has been imposed. If the bill is challenged, there is a big chance that the judiciary will declare it unconstitutional.”

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh posted on X that the party will "very soon" challenge the constitutionality of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Supreme Court.

Party president Mallikarjun Kharge echoed the concern and called the bill “flawed.” He questioned why 232 members voted against the bill in Lok Sabha if it was truly in the public interest.

Kharge added, “Such an atmosphere has been created that this bill seems aimed at harassing minorities… Despite such huge opposition, it was passed arbitrarily. This kind of majoritarianism isn’t good for democracy.”

Will Supreme Court Become a Hurdle for the Waqf Amendment Bill?

With the Congress officially announcing its plan to approach the Supreme Court, the spotlight now shifts to the judiciary.

Legal experts say that constitutional challenges are possible, especially since opposition leaders claim the bill violates Articles 14, 25 and 26—which deal with equality before law and freedom of religion.

If the Supreme Court finds merit in the petition, it may issue a stay on the implementation or even strike down certain provisions of the bill.

However, given that the Waqf Amendment Bill has been passed through a full parliamentary process, any intervention from the judiciary would likely come after a detailed hearing.

Waqf Amendment Bill PM Modi congress Supreme Court