Manipur Congress leaders move Supreme Court against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Published on Apr 15, 2025

IMPHAL — Senior Congress leaders and former Manipur MLAs Md Fajur Rahim and Md Amin Shah on Tuesday filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court of India challenging the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
The development was confirmed by Congress spokesperson and legal counsel Md Rabikhan, who stated via video message that the petition was submitted earlier in the day. According to him, the matter is expected to be listed for motion hearing on Wednesday.
Md Fajur Rahim, a former MLA from Wabagai Assembly Constituency and currently the Working President of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), and Md Amin Shah, former MLA from Kshetrigao Assembly Constituency, have challenged the constitutional validity of the Act.

Also read: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee members to challenge Waqf (Amendment) Act in Supreme Court

Speaking on the matter, Md Amin Shah alleged that the Act infringes on the right to religion and violates Article 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the freedom to manage religious affairs. “We are demanding to repeal the Act,” he said.
Sources familiar with the petition stated that it raises concerns over the alleged dilution of powers of State Waqf Boards under the amended law.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, passed by both Houses of Parliament earlier this year, has been a source of political and legal contention, drawing criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Congress. The party has accused the legislation of undermining the rights of minority communities and weakening India’s secular framework.
On Sunday, former Manipur Chief Minister and Congress Legislature Party leader Okram Ibobi Singh reiterated the party’s opposition, stating that India is a secular country, and the party has stood against this Bill from the beginning.
Sharing similar sentiments, MPCC President K Meghachandra asserted that the party would continue to oppose any effort that distorts the nation’s identity or constitutional values.
Meanwhile, in Manipur, members of the Meitei Pangal (Muslim) community have staged protest marches across various parts of the state, voicing opposition to the amended legislation.