Waqf Amendment Bill 2025: Congress to move SC, security beefed up around Jamia Millia Islamia | Top developments

Parliament early Friday cleared the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after the Rajya Sabha passed it following an intense 13-hour-long debate. The legislation, which has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties for being "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional," was passed with 128 votes in favour and 95 against in the Upper House.

The Lok Sabha had already passed the Bill early Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 voting against it. Alongside, the Parliament also approved the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2025. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, while defending the legislation, hit out at the Congress and other opposition parties, accusing them of misleading the Muslim community. He asserted that the government believes in working for all, following the motto of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."

Also Read:Lok Sabha passes Waqf Amendment Bill after heated 12-hour debate, heads to Rajya Sabha

Here are the top developments as Parliament passes the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025:

Congress to move Supreme Court

Soon after the Bill was passed, the Congress announced that it would challenge its constitutionality in the Supreme Court.

In a post on X, AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "The INC will very soon be challenging in the Supreme Court the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024". "We are confident and will continue to resist all assaults of the Modi Govt on the principles, provisions, and practices that are contained in the Constitution of India," he added.

Ramesh also pointed out that the Congress's legal challenges to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, the RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019, and the recent changes to the Conduct of Election Rules and the Places of Worship Act are already being heard in the top court.

Also Read:Waqf (Amendment) Bill tabled in Lok Sabha amid opposition uproar

PM Modi, Amit Shah hail Bill

Calling it a historic moment, Home Minister Amit Shah said the Bill would usher in an era of justice, equality, transparency and accountability. "Through this Bill, the Waqf Board and Waqf properties are going to be more accountable, transparent and equitable. This will definitely benefit the poor, women and children of the Muslim community," he said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also welcomed the move, calling it a "watershed moment" in India’s journey towards socio-economic justice and inclusive development.

Security beefed up in sensitive areas

In anticipation of protests, security has been tightened in southeast Delhi, including in areas like Jamia Nagar and near educational institutions such as Jamia Millia Islamia. Paramilitary forces have also been deployed, and night patrolling intensified to prevent any law and order situation, a senior police officer said.

INDIA bloc slams Bill, alleges move to seize Muslim properties

Opposition parties under the INDIA bloc strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it "unconstitutional" and accusing the government of targeting the Muslim community. They alleged that the legislation was designed to seize Muslim-owned properties and eventually hand them over to private corporations.

Leaders from the Congress, TMC, DMK, AAP, Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, RJD, and the Left demanded the withdrawal of the Bill, claiming it was introduced with mala fide intentions.

During the debate, BJP leader and Leader of the House J P Nadda intervened, denying the allegations and asserting that the Bill was not against Muslims. He said the aim was to assist the poor and safeguard the rights of Muslim women.

Mayawati, Kharge raise objections

BSP chief Mayawati criticised the government for pushing the legislation without sufficient public engagement. “If the central government had given the public more time to understand the Bill and addressed their concerns, it would have been better,” she said on X.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also slammed the government for passing the Bill late at night. “Such an atmosphere has been created that this Bill seems to target minorities. Despite strong opposition, the Bill was passed arbitrarily. This 'mighty stick owns the buffalo' attitude will not be good for anyone,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)