The ruling National Conference on Wednesday said it will approach the Supreme Court over the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill, calling the legislation a direct infringement on the religious and property rights of Muslims.
“On the direction of our President Dr Farooq Abdullah, the National Conference will file a writ petition in the Supreme Court,” NC MLA and Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq told reporters in Jammu.
“This legal battle will now be fought at the highest level, because this act poses a constitutionally alarming interference in the religious affairs of the Muslim community,” Tanvir said.
He said the bill violates fundamental constitutional protections guaranteed under Articles 14, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, and 300A.
“This isn’t just about Jammu and Kashmir. This is an attack on the religious identity and rights of Muslims across the country,” the NC leader said.
The move by NC comes amid a highly charged atmosphere in the political circle, with three consecutive days of Assembly disruptions centered around the Waqf Amendment Bill.
Sadiq said by approaching the Supreme Court, the party is sending a stronger and unequivocal message that the party will oppose it legally and not just for any fanfare.
“Let us be very clear, while we could have raised these concerns inside the Assembly, doing so would have only recorded our opposition. By approaching the Supreme Court, we are sending a stronger message: we will fight this legally, constitutionally, and with full determination. We are confident that justice will prevail,” he said.
“At the same time, The developments in the Assembly led to yet another, even more serious consequence—the vital and long-overdue resolution for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood was not introduced. This critical resolution carried immense significance, as it represents a core demand that lies at the heart of our people’s aspirations,” he said.
“Let us remind everyone, statehood is not a demand, it is a democratic right. It is central to the identity, dignity, and empowerment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference will continue to strongly and unequivocally advocate for the restoration of statehood. This is our commitment,” he added.