National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq announced on Wednesday that the party will approach the Supreme Court by filing a writ petition challenging the Waqf Amendment Act.
Acting on the instructions of party president Farooq Abdullah, Sadiq stated that the legal battle over the controversial legislation will now be taken to the highest court of the country. Speaking to reporters outside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which had just been adjourned sine die, Sadiq said the NC views the Act as a constitutionally alarming intrusion into the religious affairs of the Muslim community.
He argued that the Act infringes upon several fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, including Articles 14, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, and 300A. According to him, it poses a serious threat to religious freedom, equality, and property rights of Muslims across India.
This development follows mounting criticism of the NC’s initial silence on the issue from opposition parties and religious leaders. Earlier, NC legislator Nazir Ahmad Gurezi had demanded a debate on the Waqf Amendment Act within the Assembly, but Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather declined the request, labeling the matter as sub judice and therefore not eligible for discussion during the session.
Also Read: J&K Oppn MLAs move notice to remove NC Speaker
The decision sparked outrage among opposition parties, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti urged the ruling alliance to adopt a resolution rejecting the Act before the conclusion of the session, rather than letting the matter linger as a political spectacle.
Mufti also referred to a recent chance encounter between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar, hinting that the meeting might carry a symbolic message to the country’s 24 crore Muslims.
Meanwhile, the National Conference dismissed all accusations, claiming that the opposition was “fishing in the desert” and stirring controversy without merit.
Also Read: J-K Assembly paralysed for 3rd day over Waqf row, adjourned
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