Stalin terms Supreme Court stay on key Waqf Act amendments ‘victory for constitutional rights’
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Celebrates Supreme Court’s Stay on Waqf Act Amendments
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who also leads the DMK party, expressed his joy over the Supreme Court’s recent interim order that puts a hold on key parts of the Union government’s amended Waqf Act. He called it a big win for constitutional rights and religious freedoms.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Stalin shared his thoughts: "The Supreme Court has stayed the unconstitutional Waqf Act amendments imposed by the Union BJP government. This is a huge victory for the DMK’s consistent fight, for the people’s struggle, and for the constitutional rights of minorities. Our faith in judicial protection of democracy and secularism has been reinforced."
The ruling came after petitions from the DMK and other groups challenged the changes brought in by the BJP-led central government. These amendments had stirred up controversy over waqf properties—lands and assets dedicated for Muslim religious and charitable purposes.
What Did the Supreme Court Stay?
The top court blocked four major provisions in the Waqf (Amendment) Act to protect minority rights and waqf autonomy:
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Five-Year Islam Practice Rule: The clause that demanded a person must practice Islam for five years before donating property as waqf. This stay ensures easier access for donations without such restrictions.
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Seizure of Waqf Properties: The power allowing authorities to take over waqf land just based on claims of government ownership, without a proper investigation. Now, this can’t happen until the court decides further.
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District Collectors’ Authority: Officials won’t be able to strip the "waqf" status from properties that have been used for religious purposes for ages.
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Non-Muslim Representation: The act had allowed up to four non-Muslims on the Central Waqf Council and three on state boards, potentially diluting Muslim majority. The court has paused this to keep representation balanced.
Legal experts say this move safeguards the independence of waqf boards and upholds India’s secular values.
DMK’s Long Fight Against the Amendments
The DMK has been vocal against these Waqf Act changes right from when they were introduced in Parliament. The party even passed a resolution in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, demanding the Centre scrap them entirely. Stalin slammed the BJP’s push as an "abuse of power" that goes against the Constitution.
He added that the judgment boosts public trust in the Supreme Court as the ultimate protector of democracy, secularism, and citizens’ basic rights.
This development highlights ongoing debates on waqf property rights in India, religious freedoms, and the balance between central and state powers. As the case continues, it could shape how minority institutions operate across the country.
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