"A matter of great regret," says Maulana Yasoob Abbas on President's assent to Waqf Bill

"It is a matter of great regret that it has got approval from the President," Abbas stated. He further explained that the board would consult with its legal cell to determine their next course of action, adding, "Now we will sit with our legal cell and based on their advice, we will move forward."

After a bill is passed in the Parliament, it is sent for the President's assent, after which, it becomes a law.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy on Sunday praised the passing of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, describing it as a significant step for upholding the Constitution of India.

Speaking about the assent given by President Droupadi Murmu recently, Reddy emphasised that the bill now stands as part of the country's Constitutional framework.

Reddy explained the importance of the amendment: "Above the High Courts, the Civil Courts and the Supreme Court, the Constitution is supreme. The amendments in the Waqf Bill of 1995 by Congress and later in 2013, were about the courts, the judiciary, the laws and even the Constitution."

He added, "It was long overdue in a secular country like India. No single religion can have rights beyond the Constitution, and, unfortunately, such amendments and laws were made in the past."

He expressed satisfaction that the bill received the assent of the President, asserting, "I'm so happy today that the bills passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha got the President's assent and became the law of the country. It stands as part of the Constitution of today."

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill sought to make changes to provisions regarding religious trusts and properties, has faced opposition from various political parties and religious groups, now including the Shia Board.

The Bill's passage and subsequent assent have led to concerns about its potential impact on religious rights and governance of Waqf properties. (ANI)