Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 7 (ANI): Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande on Monday criticized those opposing the Waqf Amendment Law, suggesting that their legal challenges lack merit given the legislative process it underwent. She accused critics of spreading false narratives to create confusion among the public.

Speaking to ANI, Kayande defended the law, stating its passage in Parliament--following extensive discussions and a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) review.

'The bill has been passed in the Parliament with a majority, after hours of discussion, and after a JPC in which each party was given a chance to put in suggestions... How can their case stand in the court when the bill has been passed in the house, the highest authority to make laws. They are just trying to create confusion among people by setting a fake narrative,' Kayande said.

This comes after several political leaders and organization approached the Supreme Court against the amended Waqf Law.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, the largest body of Islamic scholars in India, has moved to the Supreme Court, challenging the 'constitutional validity' of the new law.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan and others also approached the Supreme Court.

On April 5, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament during the budget session of Parliament. The President also gave her assent to the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill on April 4 with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, while the Lok Sabha cleared the bill after a lengthy debate, with 288 members voting in favour and 232 opposing it.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed, which seeks to focus on improving the management of waqf properties, empowerment of stakeholders relevant to the management of waqf properties, improving the efficiency in survey, registration and case disposal processes, and development of waqf properties. While the core purpose remains to manage waqf properties, the aim is to implement modern and scientific methods for better governance. The Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923 was also repealed. (ANI)