‘Substantial Victory’: Congress Hails SC Order On Waqf Act, Says “Mischievous Intent Undone”

The Congress on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s interim order on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, calling it a win for “constitutional values of justice, equality, and fraternity.”

Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said the ruling was “a substantial victory not just for the parties that opposed this arbitrary law in Parliament but all those members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee who submitted detailed dissent notes which were then ignored but now stand vindicated.”

While the apex court declined to stay the law entirely, it put on hold several provisions.

These include clauses allowing district collectors to decide whether properties claimed as waqf belong to the government, and a rule requiring that only a lawful property owner who has been practising Islam for five years can create a waqf through a formal deed.

Reacting on X, Ramesh said the judgment “goes a long way towards undoing the mischievous intentions underlying the original statute.”

He noted that the court had “stayed the powers of the Collector” and “protected existing Waqf properties from dubious challenges.”

He added that the bench had also stayed the requirement for proof of being a Muslim for five years “until such times as rules are framed.”

Ramesh alleged that the purpose behind these clauses was to “keep the voter base inflamed” and build an administrative system that could “indulge those seeking to foment religious disputes.”

He said opposition counsels argued that the law could enable “anyone and everyone” to contest waqf property status before collectors, leaving ownership in limbo during litigation.

“Additionally, only a ‘Muslim’ practising for 5 years could donate to a Waqf,” he added.

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