Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sept 15: The Congress on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s interim stay on specific provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, calling it a “substantial victory” for justice, equality, and fraternity. The party said the order vindicated the opposition’s objections raised during parliamentary debates and committee reviews.
Congress MP and General Secretary in-charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, described the ruling as an important step toward “undoing the mischievous intentions underlying the original statute.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said the interim relief supports those who opposed what they saw as an “arbitrary” law in Parliament, as well as members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee who had submitted dissent notes.
Ramesh highlighted that some of the stayed provisions included the Collector's powers to adjudicate on Waqf property and the condition requiring proof of practising Islam for five years to donate to a Waqf. According to him, these clauses were introduced to politicize religious identity and create administrative tools for communal discord.
The Congress leader stated that the counsel representing Opposition parties had warned the court that the law would leave Waqf property status in limbo, open to endless challenges before district collectors, creating uncertainty and misuse. The Supreme Court’s decision to pause these aspects of the law was, he said, a welcome safeguard against arbitrary and discriminatory governance.
Earlier in the day, a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, along with Justice A.G. Masih, declined to stay the entire Waqf Act. The court reiterated that statutory laws carry a presumption of constitutionality and can only be stayed in rare and exceptional circumstances. However, it provided interim relief by staying the application of contentious provisions until further rules are framed and a larger bench deliberates the case.
Congress concluded that the ruling is a win not only for those directly affected but for the broader fight to uphold constitutional principles in legislative processes.