The Congress party announced on Friday that it will soon file a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was recently passed by Parliament.
Congress Calls Waqf Bill “Unconstitutional”
Parliament approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 after a lengthy debate in the Rajya Sabha, where 128 members voted in favor and 95 opposed the legislation. The Bill was earlier passed in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in support and 232 against.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh reaffirmed the party’s opposition, stating: “The INC’s challenge of the CAA, 2019 is being heard in the Supreme Court. The INC’s challenge of the 2019 amendments to the RTI Act, 2005 is being heard in the Supreme Court. The INC’s challenge to the validity of the amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules (2024) is being heard in the Supreme Court. The INC’s intervention to uphold the letter and spirit of the Places of Worship Act, 1991 is being heard in the Supreme Court. The INC will very soon be challenging in the Supreme Court the constitutionality of the Wakf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. We are confident and will continue to resist all assaults of the Modi Govt on the principles, provisions, and practices that are contained in the Constitution of India.”
The INC’s challenge of the CAA, 2019 is being heard in the Supreme Court.
The INC’s challenge of the 2019 amendments to the RTI Act, 2005 is being heard in the Supreme Court.
The INC’s challenge to the validity of the amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules (2024) is being…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 4, 2025
Political Battle Over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The passage of the Waqf Bill sparked heated debates, with opposition parties labeling it “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.” However, the BJP-led government defended the legislation, calling it a “historic reform” that would benefit the minority community.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, modifies the governance structure of waqf properties—land or assets donated for religious or charitable purposes. Critics argue that the changes undermine the autonomy of waqf boards and could lead to the mismanagement of minority-owned properties.
Also Read: As Waqf Bill reaches Rajya Sabha, a BJD U-turn and a dent in Oppn fortress
Congress’ Legal Challenges Against BJP-Led Reforms
Congress has been actively challenging several Modi government legislations in the Supreme Court. Jairam Ramesh highlighted multiple ongoing legal battles, stating:
- The challenge to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019 is currently being heard in the Supreme Court.
- The challenge to the 2019 amendments to the RTI Act, 2005 is also under judicial review.
- The challenge to amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules (2024) is pending in the Supreme Court.
- Congress is defending the Places of Worship Act, 1991 in the Supreme Court.
Future Implications of the Waqf Bill Challenge
The Congress party’s legal action against the Bill, 2025 will add to the growing list of politically sensitive cases before the Supreme Court. The challenge could also impact the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with opposition parties likely to use it as a campaign issue to target the ruling BJP.
