“Waqf Bill May Be Declared Unconstitutional if Challenged”: Abhishek Manu Singhvi

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in the early hours of Friday after a marathon debate, with 128 votes in favor and 95 against. The bill, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, was met with strong opposition from several political parties, who termed it a “black day” for democracy.

Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi voiced his concerns, stating that the judiciary might declare the bill unconstitutional if it is challenged. “They have misused the majority, and the bill has been imposed. If challenged, there is a big chance the judiciary will strike it down,” Singhvi said.

Opposition Criticizes the Bill
Parties like the DMK and Samajwadi Party (SP) also criticized the bill. DMK MP MM Abdullah called it a “black day for minorities”, while SP MP Ramji Lal Suman questioned the government’s intent, stating, “The bill was passed because the government had the numbers… Their intention is not right.” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced plans to challenge the bill in court.

Government Defends the Bill
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the legislation, accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation. He asserted that the bill would benefit millions in the Muslim community and ensure better administration and management of Waqf properties. Rijiju also revealed that the bill would be renamed UMEED (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment Efficiency and Development) Bill.

The bill was earlier passed in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes after a 12-hour-long debate. Alongside this, Parliament also passed the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024. The Rajya Sabha, which continued discussions past midnight, was adjourned in the early hours of Friday after the bill’s passage.

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 aims to bring key reforms to the existing framework governing Waqf properties in India. However, with legal challenges looming, its future remains uncertain.