New Delhi, Sep 15: Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Monday described the Supreme Court’s interim order on the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 as a “victory for constitutional values of justice, equality, and fraternity.”
The apex court, while hearing challenges to the new law, stayed key provisions that expanded the powers of collectors and imposed restrictions on Waqf donations.
Ramesh said the order validated the objections raised by opposition parties and members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, who had submitted dissent notes highlighting the risks of the Act.
Key highlights of the SC order include:
Stay on expanded powers of collectors under the amended Act.
Protection of existing Waqf properties from dubious or politically motivated challenges.
Suspension of the provision requiring proof of being a Muslim for five years before making a Waqf donation, pending rules.
“We welcome this order as a win for the constitutional values of justice, equality, and fraternity,” Ramesh said.
He added that opposition parties had consistently argued that the law could keep Waqf properties in perpetual legal limbo and weaken the rights of poor, Pasmanda, and Muslim women beneficiaries.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 was passed by Parliament earlier this year despite strong objections. Congress and other opposition parties had pledged to challenge it in court, citing concerns over minority rights and constitutional principles.
The SC’s order is viewed as a significant setback for the government and a major boost for the opposition’s stance. The Centre’s next steps, including possible amendments to the law, remain to be seen.