Congress MP Imran Masood Denounces Waqf Bill as Constitutional Violation, Plans Supreme Court Challenge
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Synopsis
Congress MP Imran Masood has condemned the Waqf Amendment Bill as a violation of the Constitution, raising concerns about its impact on equality and religious freedom. He plans to challenge the bill in the Supreme Court, citing its failure to provide welfare for marginalized communities.
Key Takeaways
- Imran Masood criticizes the Waqf Amendment Bill.
- Claims it undermines the Right to Equality.
- Plans to challenge the bill in the Supreme Court.
- Highlights lack of welfare provisions for poor Muslims.
- Warns that the attack on the Constitution affects all citizens.
New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) Congress MP Imran Masood has vehemently condemned the approval of the Waqf Amendment Bill, labeling it a blatant assault on the Constitution.
In an interview with IANS, Masood stated, “This is an assault on the Constitution. If they had a 400-seat majority, they would have altered the Constitution entirely. Now they are making incremental changes. We will challenge this Bill in the Supreme Court.”
Masood raised alarms about the Bill's potential effects on equality and religious freedom.
“This fundamentally undermines the Right to Equality enshrined in the Constitution. It encroaches upon our religious freedoms. This struggle is not solely for Muslims; it is about safeguarding the Constitution of this nation. When they consistently indicate intentions to amend the Constitution, their motives are evident—they seek to govern the country according to their ideological beliefs,” he added.
In the early hours of Friday, the Rajya Sabha ratified the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with a vote tally of 128 in favor and 95 against, following a contentious debate. The Bill had already been approved in the Lok Sabha just a day prior, after nearly 12 hours of vigorous discussions.
The Congress MP also criticized the governing party for its handling of democracy and governance.
“In a democracy, one does not suppress dissenting voices. However, they have done just that, trampling on the fundamental principles of the Constitution. We will take this fight to the courts,” Masood proclaimed.
Masood further noted that the Bill lacks any welfare provisions for impoverished Muslims or women, asserting, “This law does not mention welfare for poor Muslims, women, or their empowerment. It does nothing for the marginalized community. Instead, it targets madrasas, which provide education to orphaned and underserved children. You are effectively imprisoning them and denying them their right to education.”
Moreover, he criticized the government's budget cuts to scholarships and funding for Muslim institutions like Aligarh Muslim University, stating, “The government has drastically reduced funding for Aligarh Muslim University, a distinguished institution. Their aim appears to be its destruction. They have also halted scholarships for Muslim children, especially those from Pasmanda and backward communities—those who benefit the most from such initiatives.”
Masood reiterated that the struggle is not merely about Muslims but about defending the Constitution for all citizens.
“This is not just about Muslims. This is about the Constitution of India. Today, the focus is on Muslims, but tomorrow it could shift to others. We will approach the Supreme Court, as it is the guardian of the Constitution,” he stated.
