SC observations on Waqf Act echo INDIA group's concerns, says Congress

As the Supreme Court recorded the Centre’s assurance that neither waqf properties, including “waqf by user”, will be denotified nor appointments will be made to the central waqf council and boards till May 5, Congress said the apex court’s observations have brought into “sharp focus the very apprehensions” raised by the INDIA grouping and outside Parliament.

Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal said it has “opened the space for a broader and necessary” debate on the “legitimate concerns” surrounding the “hastily enacted” legislation. He claimed concerns were “neither adequately” addressed during the Joint Parliamentary Committee deliberations nor after the day-long discussion in Parliament.

“The Court’s pointed remarks raise serious Constitutional questions about the Act’s infringement on fundamental rights and lay bare its divisive undercurrents. The fight to defend the idea of India — inclusive, plural, and just — will continue, in the courts and with the people,” he said on ‘X’.

The top court also asked the Centre if Muslims would be allowed to be part of Hindu religious trusts. The top court also expressed concern over the violence that followed the law’s enactment and said it was disturbing when it was seized of the matters. The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on April 3,  with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it, and in the Rajya Sabha on April 4, with 128 members voting in favour and 95 opposing.