Mainpuri (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 7 (ANI): Samajwadi Party MP Ramgopal Yadav on Monday criticized the Waqf Amendment Act, calling it 'absolutely unconstitutional.' Yadav also expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will ultimately strike it down.

Speaking to ANI, Ramgopal Yadav accused the government of disregarding the Constitution and using the Act to divert public attention from pressing issues like unemployment, inflation, and law and order.

'The Act is absolutely unconstitutional. Government has formed this by overlooking the Constitution. This has been done to divert public's attention from unemployment, inflation, law and order. This has appealed against in the Court. I am confident that the Supreme Court will cancel this,' the Samajwadi Party MP said.

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 The Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923 was also repealed.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)