Congress MP Imran Masood Critiques Waqf (Amendment) Bill's Passage as Unconstitutional
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Synopsis
Congress MP Imran Masood criticized the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, declaring it unconstitutional and a significant setback for constitutional rights. He emphasized the potential legal repercussions if the bill becomes law.
Key Takeaways
- Imran Masood labels the Waqf (Amendment) Bill a dark day.
- The bill violates several constitutional rights.
- Concerns about increased court cases if the bill is enacted.
- BJP allies supported the bill amid opposition from the INDIA bloc.
- Future plans to repeal the bill if Congress regains power.
New Delhi, April 3 (NationPress) In a strong critique of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill's passage in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Imran Masood stated on Thursday that it is unconstitutional and will be remembered as a dark day in legislative history.
Speaking with IANS, Masood emphasized that the manner in which the bill was passed contradicts the Constitution.
He pointed out that it infringes upon the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, specifically under Article 14 (Right to equality), Article 16 (equality of opportunity in public employment), Article 25 (freedom of religion), and Article 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs).
Responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assertion that the bill is not anti-Muslim, Masood argued: “You have declared all properties illegal. You will determine which properties are legal or illegal. UP stands as a prime example. You have deemed all properties unconstitutional. Numerous cases are already pending in court and if this bill becomes law, it will exacerbate the situation, increasing court petitions.”
Labeling the bill as the most significant attack on Muslims, he concluded: “If the Waqf (Amendment) Bill becomes law, we will repeal it upon regaining power.”
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is set to be presented in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
The Lok Sabha deliberated on the bill for over 12 hours, ultimately passing it with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
BJP allies, such as Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and Shiv Sena, supported the bill, whereas the INDIA bloc opposed it, labeling it as anti-constitutional.
In the midst of the controversy surrounding the bill, Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) founder Jitan Ram Majhi revealed that Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad was opposing the bill due to its introduction by the Modi government.
He shared a video of Lalu's address in Parliament, where he advocated for a stricter law concerning Waqf properties.
