Kerala Muslim body moves SC against Waqf Act, accuses Centre of violating fundamental rights

Kerala Muslim body, the Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema has moved the Supreme Court against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, accusing the Centre of violating the fundamental rights of the minority community. Several political parties have already petitioned against the Act in Supreme Court.

In its plea, Samastha argued the Union government is trying to take over Waqf lands through the controversial act. “The Waqf (Amendment) Act is designed to convert large tracts of waqf properties into government properties. Muslim community will be deprived of waqf assets and lose their right to administer waqf properties as per their choice, which is a fundamental right protected under Article 26,” they argued.

Samastha’s petition comes after various political parties including Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Aam Aadmi Party said they challenge the Act in the apex court. On Saturday, Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi moved the apex court against the Act and said it violated constitutional provisions. In his plea, Owaisi argued the Act takes away various protections that were accorded to Waqfs and Hindu, Jain, and Sikh religious and charitable endowments alike, PTI reported.

"Appointing non-Muslims on the Central waqf council and the state waqf boards disturbs this delicate constitutional balance and tilts it to the detriment of the right of Muslims as a religious group to remain in control of their Waqf properties," Owaisi argued in his plea.

The  All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Saturday said they would conduct nationwide protests against the amendments. In a statement, the AIMPLB said they would also submit memorandums to the president and Union minister besides challenging the Act in the apex court.