RJD to challenge Waqf Amendment Act in SC; Joins Congress, AIMIM, AAP in legal fight

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) will approach the Supreme Court on Monday to challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The party's Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and leader Fayaz Ahmed will file a petition, citing concerns over the new law’s impact on the management of Waqf properties. The Act received presidential assent on April 5, officially making it law following its passage in both Houses of Parliament.

The Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, has sparked widespread political opposition. Congress MP Mohammad Jawed filed a petition in the Supreme Court on April 4, arguing the law discriminates against the Muslim community and infringes upon fundamental rights. Jawed, who was also a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee that reviewed the bill, challenged it under Articles 14, 25, 26, 29, and 300A of the Constitution. The petition, filed through advocate Anas Tanwir, also claims the bill imposes restrictions that are not applicable to other religious endowments.

AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi also approached the apex court on April 4, raising concerns over the bill’s provisions. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan filed a separate plea, stating that the law undermines minority rights, curtails religious autonomy, and allows arbitrary interference in the affairs of Muslim religious and charitable institutions.

In Bihar, Leader of Opposition and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised the legislation. He stated that the act would be discarded if RJD formed the next government in the state. Yadav said, “We believe that today Muslims are being targeted and tomorrow it may be the turn of Sikhs and Christians.” He further alleged that the bill was intended to divert public attention from issues like unemployment and stated that his party would resist its implementation in Bihar.

The bill was passed in Parliament on April 4 after an extended debate. In the Rajya Sabha, 128 members voted in favour while 95 opposed it. In the Lok Sabha, the vote count stood at 288 in favour and 232 against. Alongside the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, was also passed. Both houses sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation.