AAP Leader Amanatullah Khan Challenges Waqf Amendment Bill in Supreme Court, Opposition Cries Foul

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Amanatullah Khan moved the Supreme Court on Saturday, challenging key provisions of the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, just a day after its passage in Parliament. The bill, which saw heated debate and Opposition backlash, has been termed "anti-Muslim" by critics, while the government defends it as a reformative step towards transparency. In his petition, filed through advocate Adeel Ahmed, Khan argued that the bill infringes upon the religious and cultural autonomy of Muslims, enabling "arbitrary executive interference" in Waqf properties. His challenge follows similar petitions by Congress and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who approached the apex court on Friday, calling the legislation discriminatory. The bill cleared in Parliament after marathon debates, 12 hours in Lok Sabha and over 13 in Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed its passage as a "watershed moment," asserting it would empower marginalized communities "denied voice and opportunity." However, the Opposition remains unconvinced. The rift even triggered resignations within Bihar’s JD(U), as five leaders quit Nitish Kumar’s party over its support for the bill. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who tabled the bill in Rajya Sabha, dismissed accusations of bias, stating the amendments aim to streamline Waqf management, curb inefficiencies, and introduce tech-driven oversight. "This is about governance, not faith," he insisted. The revised law seeks to modernize the 1995 Waqf Act by simplifying registrations, digitizing records, and bolstering accountability. With legal battles mounting and political tempers flaring, the Waqf Amendment Bill’s fate now hinges on judicial scrutiny. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the challenges, the debate over minority rights versus administrative reform is set to intensify.