NC will challenge Waqf Amendment Act in SC: Tanvir Sadiq

Srinagar, Apr 9: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq Wednesday said that Waqf Amendment Act 2025 is significantly intruding into the religious affairs of the Muslim community and that the party will file a petition before the Honorable Supreme Court of India to challenge the Act.
In a statement, Tanvir said the party believes this Act constitutes an alarming interference in the religious affairs of the Muslim community.
“It violates fundamental constitutional protections—Articles 14, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, and 300A—and represents a direct attack on the religious freedom, equality, and property rights of Muslims across the country. Acting on the instructions of our party president, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference has decided to file a writ petition before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025,” he added.
Sadiq further said that the last three days in the Assembly have been painful, and deeply unfortunate. “The assembly was meant to be a platform where elected representatives can voice the concerns of the people and engage in meaningful debate. That is the very essence of a democracy. We came to reflect the deep anxieties of the Muslim majority, and to seek a fair discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, just as legislatures in other states across the country have allowed. Our purpose was never to undermine the authority of the Parliament. It was to put on record the flaws of a Bill that strikes at the heart of religious autonomy. But the Assembly, which should have been a space for that conversation, was turned into a battleground, Unfortunately, the BJP, with deliberate intent, disrupted the proceedings and repeatedly blocked our attempts to speak. What was even more shameful was the tactical support extended to them by the PDP, PC, and a few others. Instead of standing with us in defense of religious rights and constitutional values, they chose to stand with the very party that is dismantling them. On a day when over 300 Members of Parliament across the country opposed this Bill, they chose silence on the first day And worse, complicity on the other. Their betrayal will not be forgotten. While the Assembly could have served as a forum to express our concerns, the real battle must now be fought in the Supreme Court,” he said.
Sadiq said by approaching the Hon’ble Supreme Court the party is sending a stronger and unequivocal message that the party will oppose it legally and not just for any fanfare.
“Let us be very clear, while we could have raised these concerns inside the Assembly, doing so would have only recorded our opposition. By approaching the Supreme Court, we are sending a stronger message: we will fight this legally, constitutionally, and with full determination. We are confident that justice will prevail,” he further added.
“At the same time, The developments in the Assembly led to yet another, even more serious consequence—the vital and long-overdue resolution for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood was not introduced. This critical resolution carried immense significance, as it represents a core demand that lies at the heart of our people’s aspirations,” he said.
“Let us remind everyone, statehood is not a demand, it is a democratic right. It is central to the identity, dignity, and empowerment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference will continue to strongly and unequivocally advocate for the restoration of statehood.
This is our commitment,” he added.
He also appreciated the speaker of the house for taking into account the sense of house against the Waqf amendment bill 2025. “The Honourable Speaker expressed the sentiment of the House and, taking into account the sense of the House, clearly stated that it is evident this House is against the Waqf Amendment Bill. The fact that this has now been officially recorded is exactly what we had hoped for,” he said.