Manipur MLA Challenges Waqf Amendment Act 2025 in Supreme Court
Sheikh Noorul Hassan, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Manipur’s National People’s Party, has announced his intention to challenge the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 in the Supreme Court. Hassan asserts that the Act infringes upon the rights of Muslims and has publicly condemned it. In a related incident, the residence of Md Asker Ali, the BJP Minority Morcha president, was set ablaze by a mob in Lilong, Thoubal district, allegedly due to his support for the Act. The Bharatiya Janata Party has denounced the attack and assured measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Understanding the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 and Its Implications
The Waqf Amendment Act 2025 has recently become a focal point of contention in India, particularly among Muslim communities and political leaders. The Act’s provisions have sparked debates about religious rights, property management, and constitutional freedoms. This article delves into the nuances of the Act, the reasons behind the opposition, and the broader implications for Indian society.
What is the Waqf Amendment Act 2025?
The Waqf Amendment Act 2025 is a legislative measure aimed at modifying the existing laws governing Waqf properties in India. Waqf refers to the permanent dedication of property by a Muslim for religious, pious, or charitable purposes. Traditionally, such properties are managed by Waqf boards, which are entrusted with ensuring that the assets serve the intended purposes.
The amendments introduced in 2025 propose significant changes to the management and oversight of these properties. While the government asserts that these changes aim to enhance transparency and efficiency, critics argue that they encroach upon the autonomy of the Muslim community in managing their religious endowments.
Key Provisions of the Amendment
The Waqf Amendment Act 2025 includes several notable provisions:
- Government Oversight: The Act increases governmental control over Waqf boards, allowing for greater intervention in their functioning.India Today NE
- Property Utilization: It permits the repurposing of certain Waqf properties for public welfare projects, subject to governmental approval.
- Audit and Accountability: The Act mandates stringent auditing of Waqf accounts and introduces penalties for mismanagement.
While these provisions are presented as measures to improve governance, they have been met with resistance from various quarters.India Today NE+5India Today NE+5India Today NE+5
Opposition from Political Leaders
The Act has faced opposition from several political figures who view it as an infringement on religious rights.
Sheikh Noorul Hassan’s Stand
Sheikh Noorul Hassan, an MLA from Manipur’s National People’s Party, has been vocal in his criticism of the Act. In a video message, Hassan stated, “The Waqf Amendment Act 2025 violates the rights of Muslims. I personally condemn and reject this Act. I will challenge it in the Supreme Court.”
Hassan’s decision to approach the Supreme Court underscores the gravity of the concerns raised by the Act’s detractors.
Reactions from Other Political Entities
The opposition is not limited to individual leaders. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has also expressed strong dissent. Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, the General Secretary of AIMPLB, described the bill as “discriminatory, communally motivated and a blatant infringement on the constitutional rights of Muslim citizens.” He emphasized that the management of Waqf has been taken away from Muslims and handed over to the government under the new provisions. India Today NE+1Wikipedia+1Wikipedia
Incidents of Violence and Unrest
The enactment of the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 has led to incidents of violence, reflecting the deep-seated tensions surrounding the legislation.
Arson Attack in Manipur
In Manipur’s Thoubal district, the residence of Md Asker Ali, the BJP Minority Morcha president, was set ablaze by a mob. The attack was allegedly in response to Ali’s support for the Act. The Bharatiya Janata Party condemned the incident and assured that measures would be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Government’s Defense of the Act
Amidst the backlash, the government has defended the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, stating that it aims to introduce accountability within Waqf boards and ensure that religious places like mosques and graveyards remain unaffected. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad emphasized that the Act would be especially beneficial for Muslim women and that fears over the loss of religious sites are unfounded. India Today NE
Legal and Constitutional Implications
The challenges posed to the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 raise significant legal and constitutional questions.
Fundamental Rights Concerns
Critics argue that the Act infringes upon the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution, particularly the right to manage religious affairs. The petitions filed in the Supreme Court claim the law is discriminatory and infringes upon the fundamental rights of Muslims. India Today NE
Judicial Precedents
The Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Act will likely consider past judgments related to religious freedoms and property rights. The outcome could set a precedent for how religious endowments are managed in the future.
Broader Societal Implications
Beyond the legal realm, the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 has broader societal implications.
Impact on Muslim Communities
The Act has heightened anxieties within Muslim communities regarding the autonomy and preservation of their religious institutions. The perceived encroachment on Waqf properties is seen as a threat to cultural and religious heritage.
📌 Final Thoughts
Md. Fajur Rahim’s decision to challenge the Waqf Amendment Act is more than a legal maneuver—it’s a statement. A statement that even in the quiet corners of the Northeast, leaders are ready to step up and demand fairness.
Whether the Supreme Court agrees remains to be seen. But the real win? That this conversation is happening at all.
And who knows—maybe it’s the start of something bigger.
❓ FAQs
1. What is the Waqf Amendment Act, 2013?
It’s a revision to the 1995 Waqf Act that gave more power to state Waqf Boards in managing Islamic charitable properties, but it’s been criticized for limiting community involvement.
2. Why is a Manipur MLA challenging it now?
Md. Fajur Rahim believes it violates constitutional rights like religious freedom and equality and wants the Supreme Court to review it.
3. How does this affect the average person?
If you belong to any religious community, this case could influence how your places of worship and endowments are managed.
4. Could this case set a national precedent?
Yes, if the Supreme Court takes it up, it could lead to reforms in how all religious trusts are governed in India.
5. What’s the current status of the petition?
Rahim is in the process of finalizing and filing the petition with the Supreme Court, which could happen in the coming weeks.
