DMK Challenges Waqf Amendment Act in Supreme Court, Claims Violation of Muslim Rights
Last Updated on April 8, 2025 by Amit Patra
In a major judicial test of new law, Tamil Nadu ruling party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) petitioned the Supreme Court against the newly passed Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 on the premise that it violates the constitutional rights of India’s almost 20 crore Muslims as well as 50 lakh Muslims in Tamil Nadu.
The writ petition, moved by DMK’s Deputy General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP A. Raja, who was also a member of Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf Bill, aims to raise serious constitutional issues regarding the amended law that had obtained Presidential assent on April 5. The petition was filed by Senior Advocate P. Wilson, a Rajya Sabha MP of DMK.
DMK’s action in legal terms follows the resolution of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on March 27 requesting the Union Government to withdraw the Waqf Amendment Bill. The petition claims Parliament had proceeded with the legislation despite significant objections raised by DMK members during Joint Parliamentary Committee proceedings and parliament sessions.
The challenge arrives at a moment when the Supreme Court itself is grappling with several petitions challenging the Act. The petitions had been referred to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna earlier during the day for listing urgently, which the CJI had said he would consider.
This is a court fight that signals escalating tensions between state and central governments on laws relating to religious institutions and practices. DMK’s petition contends that the amendments change management and control of Waqf properties, which are Muslim donations for religious, pious, or charitable purposes under Islamic law.
The case is a critical trial of religious liberty and federalism within India’s constitutional framework, with potential implications for the governance of religious endowments across India. The Supreme Court decision on these appeals will determine the equilibrium between religious self-governance and governmental control over Waqf properties, which are significant charitable resources within the Muslim community.
