Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 13: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and popular actor Vijay has approached the Supreme Court challenging the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. His petition adds to a growing list of legal challenges filed by prominent political leaders, religious organizations, and civil society groups against the controversial legislation.
The Act, passed by Parliament earlier this month, has been criticized for allegedly infringing upon the fundamental rights of the Muslim community. The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill on April 4 with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, following its earlier approval in the Lok Sabha, where 288 members voted in support and 232 opposed. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on April 5, making it law.
Among those challenging the Act are AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress MPs Mohammad Jawed and Imran Pratapgarhi, AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, and Azad Samaj Party chief Chandra Shekhar Azad. Others include SP MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq, Maulana Arshad Madani of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, the Samastha Kerala Jamiatul Ulema, the Social Democratic Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League, and the Association for Protection of Civil Rights.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has also filed a petition, terming the amendments arbitrary and exclusionary. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MPs Manoj Jha and Faiyaz Ahmad, as well as MLA Muhammad Izhar Asfi, have also raised concerns over what they describe as excessive government interference in Muslim religious endowments.
Joining the chorus of opposition, Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK party has entered the legal battle, with its MP A Raja—who was a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Bill—also moving the apex court.
Meanwhile, intervention applications have been submitted in the Supreme Court supporting the Act, asserting that the amendments align with constitutional principles and do not violate any rights of the Muslim community.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 aims to enhance the management and development of waqf properties, improve registration and survey mechanisms, and streamline dispute resolution processes.