RJD Joins Legal Battle Against Waqf Amendment Act: Moves Supreme Court Following Congress, AAP, and Others

RJD leaders Manoj Jha and Fayaz Ahmed are set to challenge the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, joining Congress, AAP, and others in opposing the controversial law.

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New Delhi, April 6 — The political storm surrounding the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 continues to intensify, as the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) becomes the latest party to approach the Supreme Court against the recently enacted law. RJD leaders Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and party member Fayaz Ahmed are set to file a petition on behalf of the party, questioning the legality and constitutional validity of the new legislation.

Their move follows a growing wave of opposition from several political outfits and civil society organizations who argue that the law infringes upon the rights of the Muslim community, particularly in relation to the management and governance of Waqf properties across India.

Mounting Legal Resistance

The RJD’s legal challenge comes shortly after Congress MP Mohammad Jawed filed a plea in the apex court, calling the Waqf Amendment Act “discriminatory” and a violation of fundamental rights. According to Jawed, the bill violates multiple provisions of the Indian Constitution, including:

• Article 14 (Right to Equality)
• Article 25 & 26 (Freedom of Religion and Management of Religious Affairs)
• Article 29 (Protection of Minority Interests)
• Article 300A (Right to Property)

Jawed, who was also a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee that reviewed the bill in 2024, highlighted that the new law unfairly targets Waqf institutions, imposing restrictions that do not apply to similar endowments of other religious communities.

Other Parties Join the Fight

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also entered the legal arena, with MLA Amanatullah Khan challenging the bill in the Supreme Court. Khan argued that the bill allows arbitrary executive interference, curtails religious autonomy, and threatens the constitutional rights of Muslims to manage their charitable and religious institutions.

Similarly, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has also filed a petition challenging the Act, calling it a direct attack on minority rights.

Adding to the opposition, the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), an NGO focused on constitutional rights, has filed its own petition, raising concerns over the bill’s impact on the legal framework of waqf administration.

Mixed Reactions in Political Circles

While opposition parties have united in their stance against the law, not all parties are on board with pursuing legal action. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut confirmed on Saturday that his party will not approach the Supreme Court, stating, “We have said what we had to say. This file is closed for us now.”

Despite not moving court, Raut earlier criticized the bill, calling it a “commercial move” disguised as a policy reform, and questioned the government’s intent behind such legislation.

Bill Becomes Law

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 officially became law after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on Saturday, alongside the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025. The bills were passed following heated debates in both houses of Parliament—128 votes in favor and 95 against in Rajya Sabha, and 288 votes in favor and 232 against in Lok Sabha.

In a social media post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the passage of the bill as a “watershed moment” in India’s journey towards socio-economic justice and inclusive growth. “This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity,” PM Modi stated.

What the Waqf Amendment Act Entails

The Act aims to:

• Streamline the registration and management of waqf properties
• Introduce technology-driven governance and digital records
• Enable quicker dispute resolution
• Strengthen the legal framework to prevent encroachments

The government argues that the law seeks to bring transparency, reduce corruption, and improve the management of Waqf assets.

However, critics argue that the bill centralizes control, reduces community oversight, and undermines the autonomy granted to religious and charitable trusts under the Constitution.

Nationwide Protests Planned

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced plans for nationwide protests, calling the law “regrettable” and an “attack on religious freedom.” The board also signaled it would explore legal avenues to challenge the Act, indicating more petitions may soon follow.

As the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 becomes law, a constitutional battle is brewing in the Supreme Court. With major opposition parties, NGOs, and community leaders challenging its provisions, the coming weeks could prove decisive for the future of waqf administration and minority rights in India.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.