The Congress party announced on Friday that it will soon challenge the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Supreme Court. Party leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the Bill, calling it an “assault of the Narendra Modi government on the Indian Constitution.” He emphasized that Congress would continue to resist such actions.
Congress’s Previous Legal Battles
Ramesh highlighted several ongoing legal challenges initiated by the party. He mentioned that the Supreme Court is already hearing Congress’s cases against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, amendments to the Right to Information Act, 2005, and changes to the Conduct of Election Rules (2024). Additionally, the party has intervened to uphold the Places of Worship Act, 1991. He confirmed that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, would also be challenged soon.
“We are confident and will continue to resist all assaults of the Modi Govt on the principles, provisions, and practices that are contained in the Constitution of India,” Ramesh stated.
Parliament Passes Waqf Bill After Intense Debate
On early Friday, Parliament approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after the Rajya Sabha passed it following an over 13-hour debate. The Bill had already received approval in the Lok Sabha. The discussion saw fierce objections from opposition parties, who labeled the Bill as “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.” The government defended it as a “historic reform” aimed at benefiting the minority community.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill with 128 votes in favor and 95 against. In the Lok Sabha, 288 members supported it, while 232 opposed it.
Opposition Alleges Bias Against Muslims
Several opposition parties, including the Congress, TMC, DMK, AAP, Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, RJD, and Left parties, strongly opposed the Bill. They accused the government of introducing it with “mala fide intentions” to seize Muslim-owned properties and transfer them to corporations. Some opposition leaders even demanded that the Bill be withdrawn.
Along with the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Parliament also passed the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025. The Rajya Sabha approved the Bill after it had already been passed by the Lok Sabha.
