The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is filing a petition today in the Supreme Court to challenge the new Waqf Act. The petition will be filed by Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and senior party leader Fayyaz Ahmad.
Supreme Court: The Waqf Amendment Act, passed by the central government, has sparked significant political and social unrest across the country. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has decided to challenge this controversial law in the Supreme Court. Senior party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, along with party leader Fayyaz Ahmad, will file a petition in the Supreme Court on Monday.
This Act has been passed by both houses of Parliament and has become law after receiving the assent of President Droupadi Murmu. However, opposition parties and Muslim organizations are calling it unconstitutional.
Manoj Jha Says – This Law is an Attack on Harmony
In a media interaction, RJD MP Manoj Jha stated that the Waqf Amendment Act violates the basic spirit of the Constitution. He described it not merely as a law, but as an attack on the social unity of the nation. He expressed hope that the Supreme Court will consider this law swiftly and seriously. Six petitions have already been filed in the Supreme Court regarding the Waqf Act, demanding the protection of the rights and properties of religious minorities. The RJD's petition could provide political strength to this legal battle.
All India Muslim Personal Law Board Issues Warning of Nationwide Protests
Meanwhile, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board has also challenged the central government, announcing peaceful protests across the country starting April 11th. The Board claims this law infringes upon the religious and social identity of Muslims. The RJD and other opposition parties allege that the attempt to increase government control over Waqf properties is politically motivated. They argue that the government, under the guise of "development," aims to weaken the assets and institutions of minorities.
What is the Controversy Surrounding the Waqf Act?
Although the Waqf Act has received legislative approval, the central government is yet to issue a notification for its implementation. This notification will determine the effective date of the law. It is anticipated that the issuance of the notification could further intensify protests across the country. The amended law curtails certain autonomous powers of the Waqf Board and grants the central government direct intervention rights. Opponents argue that these changes violate the right to religious freedom and self-governance under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
