Top lawyers and MPs Abhishek Singhvi and Kapil Sibal on Thursday targeted govt over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with Singhvi alleging that the legislation “is more a conspiracy than an attempt to bring reforms” and violates the Constitution’s Article 25 and 26. He warned that the bill could be struck down by courts as unconstitutional, citing two key principles established by SC regarding religious practices and the rights of religious communities. Singhvi criticised the bill for giving state govts full control over Waqf boards, diminishing Muslim representation, and for applying double standards on religious autonomy, pointing to similar acts governing Hindu and Sikh religious institutions.
Opposing the bill, Sibal, an Independent RS member, said, “It is the PM who talks about one nation, one law, then why are they bringing this selective law? Why are they giving the DM (district magistrate) this power to resolve disputes? If there is a dispute with the govt, then the govt itself will resolve it… How is it right?” tnn