"Constitution is supreme": MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy welcomes amendment in Waqf Bill

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

Reddy explained the importance of the amendment, stating, "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 and Rajya Sabha got the President's assent and became the law of the country. It stands as part of the Constitution of today."

Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is set to challenge the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Supreme Court, with Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and party leader Fayaz Ahmed filing a petition on behalf of the party.

The duo will approach the apex court on Monday to contest the bill's provisions, which they argue could have significant implications for the management of Waqf properties.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill sparked controversy across political circles, with several Opposition parties raising voice against it.

Earlier, the Congress Party had also initiated their legal battle against the bill in the Supreme Court, expressing concerns over its potential impact on the management and oversight of Waqf properties in India.

Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, on April 4, approached the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, saying that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violates their fundamental rights.

The plea said that the bill discriminates against the Muslim community by imposing restrictions that are not present in the governance of other religious endowments.

Javed was also a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.The petition filed through advocate Anas Tanwir has contended that the bill violates Article 14 (right to equality), 25 (freedom to practice religion), 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs), 29 (minority rights) and 300A (right to property) of the Constitution.

"The bill imposes arbitrary restrictions on Waqf properties and their management, thereby undermining the religious autonomy of the Muslim community," it added.

According to the plea, the bill introduces restrictions on the creation of Waqf based on the duration of one's religious practice. (ANI)