Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 18 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai on Friday expressed his gratitude towards the Supreme Court for making a decision on the Waqf Act and stated that the court took cognizance of the society's needs.

Speaking to ANI, Rai said 'I want to thank the Supreme Court, as they worked on making a decision which, without a doubt, takes cognisance of the society's need. This has increased the trust and respect for the Supreme Court among the people...'

Rai further stated that Jagdambika Pal was deliberately made the Chairman of JPC further stating that the suggestions of the oppositions were ignored while formulating the bill.

'Jagdambika Pal was deliberately made the Chairman (of Waqf JPC)... The Opposition's suggestions were ignored while formulating the Bill...' he further added.

Meanwhile, Samajawadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq on Thursday expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court's observations on the petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act, despite the court not addressing all the demands made in the petitions.

Barq stated that they will pursue further hearings to get complete relief.

Speaking to ANI, Barq said, 'The demand in the petition has not been answered yet, but we are satisfied with the order by the Supreme Court for now. We will try to ensure that the remaining points are covered in the upcoming hearings and we get complete relief... We approached the court because our plea wasn't answered in the Parliament...'

Barq filed a petition in the Supreme Court, arguing that the amendments violate fundamental rights, particularly the removal of 'Waqf by user' and induction of non-Muslim members into Waqf councils.

A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna heard petitions, including Barq's, which claim the Act infringed on Articles 14, 15, 21, and 25 of the Constitution.

He also acknowledged the court's consideration of several concerns, including issues raised by the petitioners, and noted the ban on appointments to the Waqf Boards and Council, as well as the question regarding the inclusion of Muslims in other religious institutions.

The court has taken note of several concerns, including issues raised by petitioners, the ban on appointments to Waqf Boards and Councils, and questions about the inclusion of Muslims in other religious institutions.

The Centre assured the Supreme Court on Thursday that key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, as well as provisions on de-notifying Waqf properties, will not be given effect to for some time. (ANI)