Asaduddin Owaisi challenges waqf legislation in Supreme Court

Consultation in connection with legal recourse and protest against waqf legislation underway: All India Muslim Personal Law Board

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen president Asaduddin Owaisi has challenged the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, which was recently passed by both Houses of Parliament, in the Supreme Court.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr Owaisi, who represents Hyderabad in the Lok Sabha, confirmed the development on Friday, and stated that a writ petition has been filed in the Apex Court. The case, he said, is being handled by Supreme Court lawyer Nizam Pasha. “I have already filed a case in the Supreme Court,” Mr. Owaisi said.

Explaining the nature of the case and grounds, Mr. Pasha told The Hindu:“We have challenged all amendments, and sought that they be set aside during the course of the hearing. They violate Articles 14, 15, 26, 26, 29, and 30 of the Constitution. They also violate Article 300 A, which deals with the right to property.”

With the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), a body of comprising influential Muslim clerics, politicians, and activists, indicating time and again, in the recent past, that they would call for nation-wide protests against the legislation, Mr. Owaisi said that a decision on this would be taken only after the panel meets to decide the next course of action.

In a statement issued to the media on Friday, the AIMPLB described the passing of the Bill in both Houses as “most unfortunate” and a “stain” on democracy. The legislation, they said, was tabled in Parliament under the pretext of being empathetic to the Muslim community. Terming this as “unacceptable” the Board stated that the legislation, on the contrary, would bring about a complete destruction of waqf properties.

The Board alleged that the Union government had ignored their demands, as well as requests of other organisations, opposition and civil society as regards the Bill.

“The AIMPLB will never stay silent on this. On the contrary, will organise protests for which the way is clear, and will explore legal recourse with full preparation. Deliberations and consultations in connection with legal recourse, and protest are underway. An announcement in this regard will be made soon. The protest will be peaceful, and within constitutional provisions and boundaries. Nevertheless, the protest will be continuous,” the statement reads.

Published - April 04, 2025 08:46 pm IST