Congress to Challenge Constitutionality of Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Supreme Court
The Indian National Congress (INC) announced on Friday that it would soon challenge the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Supreme Court.
New Delhi: The Indian National Congress (INC) announced on Friday that it would soon challenge the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Supreme Court.
The bill, which was passed by Parliament early Friday with the Rajya Sabha giving its final nod, has drawn strong criticism from the opposition party.
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In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh confirmed that the Congress party would take legal action against the bill in the highest court of the country. Ramesh expressed confidence in the INC’s legal challenge, asserting, “We are confident and will continue to resist all assaults of the Modi Government on the principles, provisions, and practices that are contained in the Constitution of India.”
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was approved by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, aims to bring about certain changes to the Waqf Act, 1995. The bill’s passage has sparked controversy, with the Congress accusing the government of undermining constitutional principles through this amendment.
Ongoing Legal Challenges by Congress
This move is not the first time the Congress party has taken legal action against the ruling government. Ramesh reminded the public that the INC is already challenging several other controversial legislative amendments in the Supreme Court:
- Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019: The Congress has filed a petition challenging the constitutionality of CAA, which grants citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
- Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 Amendments: The Congress has raised concerns over the amendments to the RTI Act, 2005, which it argues undermine transparency and accountability.
- Conduct of Election Rules (2024) Amendments: The party is also challenging the validity of the recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, claiming they may compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
- Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991: The Congress has intervened in the ongoing legal matters related to the Places of Worship Act, seeking to preserve the intent and spirit of the original law.
Also Read: JD(U) Leader Mohammed Qasim Ansari Quits Over Waqf Bill, Calls Party’s Stand a ‘Betrayal’
What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is designed to make several changes to the Waqf Act, 1995. The bill aims to enhance the administrative framework for the management of waqf properties, with provisions that allow for more efficient oversight and the ability to deal with encroachment on waqf properties.
However, critics, including the Congress, argue that the bill may pave the way for greater government interference in religious and charitable affairs, thus potentially violating constitutional safeguards.
Looking Ahead
The challenge to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is expected to unfold in the coming weeks. The Congress party’s decision to approach the Supreme Court signals their continued resistance against what they consider to be violations of the Constitution by the Modi government.
As legal battles unfold, it remains to be seen how the judiciary will address the concerns raised by the opposition and whether this will impact the government’s legislative agenda.
