SC’s order on Waqf Act a victory for constitutional values: Jairam Ramesh

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court order on the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 staying certain provisions, as a victory of constitutional values.

The apex court delivered a significant verdict on the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, staying certain provisions that were opposed by various parties, including the Congress. According to Ramesh, the order represents a substantial victory not just for the opposition parties but also for members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee who submitted detailed dissent notes.

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Key Highlights of the Supreme Court’s Order includes:

The Supreme Court has stayed the powers of the Collector, which were expanded under the amended Act.

The court has protected existing Waqf properties from dubious challenges, ensuring their status remains unchanged during litigation.

The provision requiring proof of being a Muslim for 5 years to donate to a Waqf has been stayed until rules are framed.

“We welcome this order as a win for the constitutional values of justice, equality, and fraternity,” Ramesh said.

He emphasized that the opposition parties had argued that the law would create a structure where anyone could challenge the status of Waqf properties, keeping them in limbo during litigation.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 was passed by Parliament despite strong opposition from various parties, who argued that it would undermine the rights of Muslim women, poor Muslims, and Pasmanda Muslims. The Congress party had announced its intention to challenge the constitutionality of the Act in the Supreme Court, citing concerns about its impact on minority rights and constitutional principles.

The order is seen as a significant victory for the opposition parties and a setback for the government. It remains to be seen how the government responds to the Supreme Court’s order and whether it will amend the Act to address the concerns raised by the court.