Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly criticised the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, asserting that the legislation unfairly targets a particular religion and undermines the secular fabric of the country. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Abdullah confirmed that his party, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, has already challenged the law in the Supreme Court.
“We have filed a petition before the Supreme Court. It’s now in the hands of the judges,” he said, noting that several other organisations have also approached the court on the same issue.
“This law appears to single out one religion, which goes against the fundamental principles of equality and secularism enshrined in our Constitution. In a truly secular nation, all religions should be treated equally,” the Chief Minister said.
He further stated that while political debate is welcome, the matter now lies with the judiciary. “We’ve done our part through legal channels. It’s time to wait and let the Supreme Court decide.”
The Waqf Amendment Act, passed by Parliament in 2023 and implemented in 2024, has sparked widespread debate. The law gives the Centre greater control over state and UT-level waqf boards, including powers to dissolve or reconstitute them. Critics argue that it centralises control over religious endowments and disproportionately affects the Muslim community, raising concerns about constitutional fairness and minority rights.
The legislation has faced resistance from multiple quarters, including religious groups, civil society, and opposition parties, who argue that it infringes upon the autonomy of religious institutions and sets a dangerous precedent(DD)