NC, PDP to move Supreme Court over Waqf Act; Mirwaiz to support AIMPLB’s legal action

NC and PDP to challenge Waqf Amendment Act in SC, citing violation of Muslim community's rights and religious freedom.

The ruling National Conference (NC) as well as the Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday (April 9, 2025) said they will approach the Supreme Court (SC) to oppose the Waqf Amendment Act. Meanwhile, the authorities denied permission to hold Muslim bodies’ meeting over the Act, which was scheduled to be chaired by chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

“The NC, on the direction of party president Farooq Abdullah, will file a writ petition in the SC. This Act is an alarming interference in the religious affairs of the Muslim community. The Act violates fundamental constitutional protections under Articles 14, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, and 300A, and it is a direct attack on the religious freedom, equality, and property rights of Muslims across the country,” NC leader and legislator Tanvir Sadiq said.

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Backing the party’s move, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said a major section of the nation was upset with the Bill. “It’s a conscious decision to move the SC. Not just the people of J&K but voices of concern are growing across India. It’s is a widespread feeling that the government is interfering in religious matters, particularly those of the Muslim community,” Mr. Abdullah said.

The Chief Minister described the protests of MLAs inside the J&K Assembly as “a reflection of public sentiment”. “Will you allow Muslims to manage the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine? Will you accept a non-Sikh meddling into the affairs of the Shri Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee? If not, then how can it be justified to have non-Muslims dictate the functioning of Waqf institutions?” he added.

Also Read | Waqf law: Opposition parties slam J&K CM Omar Abdullah for meeting with Rijiju

Extending support to the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), former J&K president and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said, “The PDP will move the Supreme Court against the Waqf Amendment Bill. We also extend our full support to the AIMPLB and other organisations opposing the Bill.” She said the Bharatiya Janata Party was attacking the Muslims left, right, and centre.