Actor-Politician Vijay Challenges Validity Of Waqf Act In Supreme Court
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Actor-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party president Vijay has challenged the constitutional validity of the Waqf legislation in the Supreme Court. The petition will be heard by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna on April 16, and other petitions include one filed by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi.
Earlier, Vijay has called on the Centre to withdraw the Waqf Bill, accusing it for infringing Muslims’ rights. His party argued that the Bill introduces new restrictions that take away the powers of Muslims in matters related to Waqf properties.
Apart from Vijay and Owaisi, the top court has listed for hearing petitions filed by AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, Association for the Protection of Civil Rights, Arshad Madani, Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, Anjum Kadari, Taiyyab Khan Salmani, Mohd Shafi, Mohd Fazlurrahim and RJD leader Manoj Jha.
Other few petitions are yet to be listed before the bench by the apex court registry.
Also Read: Bengal Waqf Protests: Top 10 Points
The petitions argued that the Waqf Act discriminated against the Muslim community and infringed upon their fundamental rights. The amendment was passed by the Rajya Sabha on April 4, with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, while the Lok Sabha cleared it earlier with 288 members backing the legislation and 232 voting against. It was turned it into law on after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on April 5.
Despite the increasing opposition, supporters of the law have filed intervention applications in the Supreme Court, arguing that the changes align with the constitutional framework and do not infringe upon any rights of the Muslim community.
Also Read: Police Assault Maktoob Journalists Covering Waqf Protest In Kozhikode
Widespread protest against the Act has been taking place in India, with the latest on list being West Bengal. Protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act have gripped the state’s Murshidabad district, leaving three people dead and more than 150 arrested. The unrest, which began as demonstrations against the central law, has escalated into full-blown violence, prompting urgent judicial intervention and deployment of Central forces. According to official sources, arson, stone-pelting and vandalism were reported across Dhuliyan, Suti, Jangipur and Samserganj.
A special bench of the Calcutta High Court has taken serious note of the violence and ordered Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployment to restore order. Political blame games have erupted, further intensifying the situation.
