AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, expressing concerns that it may inadvertently reward encroachers of Waqf property. In an interview with NDTV, Owaisi highlighted a controversial provision of the Act that mandates individuals to practice Islam for at least five years before establishing a waqf.
“The devil will be in the details,” he remarked, questioning whether similar restrictions apply to individuals from other religions who wish to endow their properties. Owaisi argued that if such rules were implemented across religions, it would severely restrict religious freedoms. He expressed skepticism about the government’s intentions, suggesting it may create regulations designed to complicate the establishment of waqf properties.
The Supreme Court’s recent interim order has temporarily halted some key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, particularly the five-year practice requirement for waqf creation. However, the court did not reject the entire law, maintaining its presumption of constitutionality. Owaisi criticized this approach, stating, “The government is not at all interested in protecting the Waqf system… This order will lead to encroachers of Waqf property being rewarded.”
Additionally, Owaisi raised critical points regarding the composition of Waqf boards, which have faced scrutiny for capping the number of non-Muslims represented. He argued that this limitation violates Article 26 of the Constitution, which grants religious denominations autonomy over their institutions and properties. He questioned why non-Muslims can serve on Waqf boards while similar representation is not allowed in institutions like the Hindu Endowments Board or the Bodh Gaya trust.
Owaisi further emphasized the need for the Supreme Court to expedite hearings on the challenges to the Act, reiterating that the recent ruling does not sufficiently protect Waqf properties from the NDA government’s reform. “In my view, the interim order will not protect Waqf properties… Encroachers will be rewarded, and there will be no development in waqf properties,” he stated.
Following the court’s ruling, Owaisi voiced his hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing discussions regarding the legislation, highlighting the urgent need for clarity and protection for Waqf properties. He fears that the current legal landscape could severely undermine the integrity of the Waqf system, an institution he deems vital for the community.
The AIMIM leader has called for greater attention to the potential implications of the Waqf (Amendment) Act and urged the Supreme Court to prioritize these matters in its future hearings. He reiterated that the protection of Waqf properties remains a pressing concern that requires immediate action. As the debates continue, the impact of the Supreme Court’s interim order and the Waqf (Amendment) Act will remain crucial subjects of discussion in the ongoing discourse on religious property rights in India.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/devil-will-be-in-detail-aimims-asaduddin-owaisi-on-supreme-courts-order-on-waqf-act-11758081807126.html
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Publish Date: 2025-09-17 09:38:00
