Congress to challenge Waqf Bill in the Supreme Court, says Jairam Ramesh
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Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, on Friday announced that the party would soon move the Supreme Court to challenge the constitutionality of the Waqf Amendment Bill. The Bill was tabled and passed in the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday.
Taking to X, he wrote, “The INC will very soon be challenging in the Supreme Court the constitutionality of the Wakf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. 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.”
Showdown over Waqf Bill
The announcement comes a day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced that the DMK will be moving the Supreme Court. Calling the Bill "anti-Muslim" and "controversial," DMK supremo noted that they would challenge the recent amendment and oppose the Union government's legislation.
Stalin was among many leaders of the opposition who claimed that the Bill undermines the autonomy of the Waqf board while simultaneously posing a threat to the members of the Muslim community. Stalin and other members of the DMK were seen wearing black badges as a sign of protest against the passing of the Bill.
Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM chief, was also among the leaders who opposed the Waqf Bill. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he tore a copy of the Bill in a symbolic protest and added, "Like Gandhi, I am also tearing up this law. This is unconstitutional. The BJP wants to create divisiveness in this country in the name of temples and mosques. I condemn this and I request you to accept the 10 amendments."
Waqf Amendment Bill
The Bill was first tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday by Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, and was passed after a 12-hour discussion on the issue. It secured 288 votes in favour in the Lok Sabha while 232 MPs voted against it. Accusing the opposition of misleading the general public regarding the Bill, Rijiju noted that it would benefit millions of Muslims.
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