Cong set to approach SC against Waqf Act
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 13 2025: After NPP's MLA Sheikh Noorul Hasaan, the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has decided to challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, labelling the legislation unconstitutional.

Addressing the media at Congress Bhavan, BT Road today, Okram Ibobi, former Chief Minister and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, said that the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, making India a secular Nation.

Stating that the BJP led NDA Government, however, has been undermining the Constitution and secular principles through various policies and actions, he added that the conduct of the Centre has sparked concerns about the country's future.

Cong set to approach SC against Waqf Act

On Waqf (Amendment) Act, Ibobi said that AICC leader Mallilkarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Party (LoP) Rahul Gandhi opposed it when it was tabled in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (as a Bill) .

MPCC will challenge the Act in the Supreme Court, Ibobi said and maintained that senior party leaders Md Fajur Rahim (ex MLA of Wabgai) and Md Amin Shah (ex MLA of Kshetrigao) will fly to Delhi today itself to file a case against the legislation by Monday (April 14) or Wednesday (April 16) .

Ibobi also said that they have consulted legal experts to file the case.

Accusing the NDA Government of implementing a "divide and rule" strategy in States where they hold power, creating tension among communities, the former Chief Minister added that the Congress party will always stand against the divisive policy.

People must unite to prevent the Government's attempts to create divisions among communities and safeguard the Constitution, he alleged.

MPCC president Keisham Meghachandra, said that the Waqf (Amendment) Act is illegal and unconstitutional apart from violating fundamental rights of the people.

He also said that the controversial legislation will erode India's secular fabric.

The Congress party and INDIA Bloc members strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament, he said and added that the National People's Party (NPP) and Janata Dal (United), however, didn't voice opposition to the Bill during its discussion.

The Congress MLA said that opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act only after it was passed is meaningless, while criticising the State unit of NPP and JD(U) .

The press briefing was also attended by other Congress leaders including former Ministers and former MLAs .