The Congress party has decided to challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Supreme Court of India. Jairam Ramesh, the party’s General Secretary in charge of Communications and a Rajya Sabha member, produced this announcement. Parliament passed the controversial bill after the Rajya Sabha approved it early Friday morning. A day earlier, the Lok Sabha cleared the bill following a heated debate over 12 hours.

On Friday, “The INC's challenge of the CAA, 2019 is being heard in the Supreme Court. The INC's challenge of the 2019 amendments to the RTI Act, 2005, is being heard in the Supreme Court. The INC’s challenge to the validity of the amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules (2024) is being heard in the Supreme Court,” Ramesh shared in a post on X.

In the Rajya Sabha, the bill was passed with 128 votes in favour and 95 against after all amendments proposed by the opposition were rejected. In the Lok Sabha, 288 MPs supported the bill, while 232 MPs voted against it.

He stated that the Congress party’s effort to uphold the letter and spirit of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, is currently being heard in the Supreme Court. Ramesh added, “The INC will very soon be challenging in the Supreme Court the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.” He further stressed, “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.”

Opposition leaders in Parliament criticised the Waqf Amendment Bill, arguing that it went against Constitutional principles and raised concerns about the government’s motives behind introducing it. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of adopting a "negative stand" on the issue.

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi criticised the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, stating that if it is challenged, the judiciary may declare it "unconstitutional." He argued, “They have misused the majority, and the bill has been imposed. If the bill is challenged, there is a big chance that the judiciary will declare it unconstitutional.”

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 introduces several key changes to improve the management and transparency of Waqf properties. Under the new provisions, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be implemented, and fixed tenures will be introduced to ensure efficient dispute resolution.

The Bill also reduces the mandatory contribution of Waqf institutions to Waqf boards from 7% to 5%. Additionally, institutions earning more than ₹1 lakh will be subject to state-appointed audits.

A centralised digital portal will be established to manage Waqf properties and enhance efficiency and transparency. The Bill also reinstates pre-2013 rules, allowing practising Muslims (for at least five years) to dedicate their property to the Waqf.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the passage of the Bill, describing it as a significant step toward socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive development. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he highlighted that these reforms would benefit marginalised communities by giving them more excellent representation and opportunities.