Opposition claims victory in SC's partial stay on Waqf law, NDA guarded in response: Here’s who said what

The top court, however, refused to stay the entire law

The Opposition on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s verdict putting some of the key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on hold, while the BJP said it was a very good sign for democracy.

In its order on Monday, the Supreme Court put some of the key provisions of the Act on hold – including the clause that only those practising Islam for the last five years can dedicate a property as Waqf.

The top court, however, refused to stay the entire law observing, noting that "no case was made to stay the provisions of the entire statute."

Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025: Here's who said what on the SC ruling

After Monday's verdict, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, who is also one of the petitioners against the Act in the Supreme Court, thanked the top court.

“We thank the Supreme Court. It is a big relief. I can tell the whole country that the Supreme Court has put a hold on the conspiracy and the intention of the government. We will read the full order… For now, through the information we have, we congratulate everyone. Many of the observations of the court have given us great relief. Several of the points (in order) are a relief,” Pratapgarhi was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed took to X and said the order was a welcome step. “The court has stayed 3 key provisions added by the @narendramodi govt with the intention of looting Muslim properties -- inclusion of non-Muslims (something not done in any other religious body), the requirement of being a practising Muslim for the last 5 years, and giving powers to Collectors to denotify Waqf land,” she wrote.

“We hope the court will strike down this Act or nullify these provisions in its final verdict, Mohamed stated.

TMC MP Sagarika Ghose said: “Two of the most contentious clauses of the Waqf Amendment Act STAYED by Supreme Court. An important message has been sent to the rickety Modi coalition. Hastily passed legislation which interferes in the freedom of religion needs a RETHINK.”

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, meanwhile, said that the government should not interfere in Waqf, adding that “we hope the Supreme Court will do further justice.”

Welcoming the Supreme Court ruling, union minister Kiren Rijiju said it was a very good sign for democracy.

“I believe that whatever the apex court has ruled is a very good sign for our democracy,” the minister said in Mumbai, as per PTI.

“The provisions in the Act are beneficial to the entire Muslim community,” Rijiju said.

The misuse, including encroachment of property through Waqf Board, will now be stopped with the new legislation, the minister said.

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi hit out at the Opposition for criticising the amendments to the Waqf Act and said those involved in communal attack on a constitutional reform are neither well-wishers of the country nor any religion.

"Those involved in the communal attack on constitutional reforms are neither well-wishers of the country nor any religion," he said.

Naqvi said that Waqf (Amendment) Act is a constructive law made by Parliament after extensive deliberation and debate in both Houses of Parliament. It has nothing to do with any religious practice or custom, he said.