Congress Decries Assault on Constitutional Values: Welcomes SC's Interim Relief on Waqf Act
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Congress party applauds the Supreme Court's interim relief on the Waqf Act, deeming it an assault on constitutional values rather than a genuine reform. They emphasize the importance of defending constitutional principles over community-specific concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court's interim relief on Waqf Act welcomed.
- Congress emphasizes defense of constitutional principles.
- Claims of reform seen as retaliation.
- Waqf Act criticized for undermining religious autonomy.
- Concerns raised about state control over minority institutions.
New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) The Congress party on Thursday expressed its appreciation for the Supreme Court's interim relief regarding the recently enacted Waqf Act, which they described as "retaliation disguised as reform".
The party emphasized that it is not defending a specific community, but rather a "constitutional principle". They argued that the act is not intended to enhance but to "infiltrate" and "control" the institutions involved.
During a press conference held at the party office, Congress MP and Chairman of the Law, Human Rights and RTI Department, Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, along with senior leader and MP Imran Pratapgarhi, expressed profound gratitude to the Supreme Court for dedicating significant time to hear the case.
Dr. Singhvi dismissed the government's assertions of reform as he stated: "It is retaliation disguised as reform. This is a meticulously scripted, strategically timed, and constitutionally questionable act."
He further refuted the government's claims that the Waqf Amendment Act was designed to enhance efficiency, characterizing it as "an exercise in erasure" behind bland governance language, masking an ambition for control where religious autonomy is reduced to state-administered protocol, and community rights are redefined by bureaucratic measures.
"Let us be clear, this is not about improving institutions; it is about infiltrating, controlling, and ultimately closing them."
Highlighting that this should not be perceived as merely a community-specific issue, the senior Congress MP reiterated that the party is defending a "constitutional principle". "Rights like Article 26 of the Constitution cannot be sacrificed for majoritarian convenience," he added.
"Today, it is the Waqf; tomorrow it could be your shrine, institution, faith, or even your voice," he cautioned, asserting that the Act is "not only legally flawed but also morally vacuous, devoid of ethical substance, and undermines the essence of religious freedom."
Dr. Singhvi remarked, "The Waqf Amendment Act is not merely an amendment; it is an assault on autonomy, identity, and constitutional values. You cannot sever Article 26 and label it as administrative efficiency."
Dr. Singhvi pointed out that "a board with mere token Muslim representation is not true representation; it is appropriation."
Reaffirming that this issue transcends the Muslim community, he stated: "This is about conveying that minority institutions are vulnerable to state takeover."
"Autonomy without representation is a hollow promise, while representation devoid of autonomy is a farce. If constitutional equality holds any significance, this Act should not withstand judicial review," he remarked, stating that "this Act transforms faith into bureaucracy and identity into a stigma."
Imran Pratapgarhi expressed immense relief regarding the Supreme Court's interim order, asserting that the government had forcibly pushed the law through parliament, disregarding suggestions from opposition members during discussions in the JPC as well as debates in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
