BENGALURU/NEW DELHI, 14, APRIL

Senior Congress leader and a prominent voice in the Muslim community, Mansoor Ali Khan, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, calling it a direct assault on the religious and constitutional rights of India’s minorities.

Represented by advocate Shivangi Anand, Khan’s legal team also submitted an urgent letter to the Supreme Court Registrar, stating the Act "undermines the rights of communities to administer their own religious affairs" and has a "chilling effect" on religious and associational freedoms.

The apex court is scheduled to hear a bunch of petitions filed by politicians, religious leaders and civic activists, challenging the Act on 16 April. President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the contentious Bill on 9 April.

Explaining the reasons behind the legal challenge, Khan stated: “This law isn’t reform—it’s an attempt to take control of what generations of our people have built with faith, love, and sacrifice. This is not just about land or property. It is about dignity, autonomy, and the right to serve our community on our own terms.”

The amendment, passed without adequate consultation, empowers government-appointed officers to unilaterally reclassify centuries-old mosques, dargahs, and community properties as “non-Waqf”. It sidelines judicial oversight, restricts new religious endowments, and weakens the very institutions meant to safeguard Waqf assets, the petition maintained.

Khan, an educationist said: “Our schools, hospitals, and places of worship have always stood as pillars of care and service—not just for Muslims, but for all. This law threatens their very existence. Once lost, these spaces cannot be reclaimed.” The petition underscores the need for immediate judicial intervention to prevent irreversible damage.

Reaffirming the spirit behind his plea, Khan said: “This is not about politics. It’s about protecting the legacy of service and self-governance that Waqf institutions represent. All we seek is fairness, dialogue, and the preservation of our constitutional rights.” Khan, a long-time social worker, is actively involved with several institutions including the Central Muslim Association (CMA) and Al-Ameen Education Society. His petition invokes violations of Articles 14, 15, 19, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30 and Article 300A of the Constitution. He has requested that his case be heard alongside other related matters already listed before the Supreme court on 16 April.

Click here to watch the full interview on Salar Youtube channel.