NC, 2 other parties to move SC against Waqf Amendment Act

With amendments to the Waqf Act triggering a logjam in the Legislative Assembly and raising the political temperature in Jammu and Kashmir, the ruling National Conference (NC) and two other Valley-based parties have announced plans to approach the Supreme Court to challenge the Act. The National Conference, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party have all stated their intention to move the apex court.

NC’s chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said on Wednesday that, on the direction of party president Farooq Abdullah, the National Conference would file a writ petition in the Supreme Court.

“This legal battle will now be fought in the Supreme Court. We believe this Act represents a constitutionally alarming interference in the religious affairs of the Muslim community. It violates fundamental constitutional protections under Articles 14, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, and 300A. It is a direct attack on the religious freedom, equality, and property rights of Muslims across the country,” he said.

Sadiq added that independent MLA and former judge Muzaffar Iqbal, who is supporting the NC-led government, will file the petition in the apex court “as soon as possible,” along with lawyer-turned-legislators Hilal Akbar Lone, Arjun Singh, and Riyaz Ahmad Khan.

“Our intention in approaching the Supreme Court is to ensure that this important battle is fought where it matters most. We stand with every Muslim who has been hurt by this new law, and we are committed to representing them,” Sadiq said, flanked by party colleagues and the former judge.

Mehbooba Mufti, PDP chief, said her party is preparing to challenge the “unconstitutional” Waqf Bill amendment in the coming days.

The Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party has also announced its decision to approach the Supreme Court over the issue. Following a party meeting, Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari said that, after in-depth discussions and feedback from grassroots-level leaders, a “resolution was unanimously adopted urging the Government of India and fellow citizens to support the reversal of the recent amendments.”

“It was also decided during the meeting to approach the Supreme Court against the controversial Act in order to ensure its reversal and uphold justice,” he added.

The last three days of the Budget session were disrupted by ruling NC members and their alliance partners after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather disallowed an adjournment motion to discuss the contentious Waqf Amendment Act on Monday, when the House reconvened after a 12-day recess.

J & K