The Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from the Mumbai South Constituency welcomed the Supreme Court’s recent move to propose a stay on several key provisions of the controversial legislation, calling it a necessary step to uphold the Constitution
The new Waqf law is in violation of Article 26 of the Constitution, says Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmaker Arvind Sawant. File pic
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) lawmaker Arvind Sawant has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to create divisions in society through the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, reported news agency PTI. The Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from the Mumbai South Constituency welcomed the Supreme Court’s recent move to propose a stay on several key provisions of the controversial legislation, calling it a necessary step to uphold the Constitution.
Speaking to PTI, Sawant said, “Through the Waqf Bill, the BJP is trying to create a rift in society. Though BJP leaders claimed the Waqf Bill was for the betterment of the Muslim community, their statements suggest otherwise.”
Sawant, who was one of the members of the Joint Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill, said the new law violates Article 26 of the Constitution, which deals with the freedom to manage religious affairs, including establishing and maintaining institutions for religious and charitable purposes, and managing its own affairs.
“It is good the Supreme Court has taken a decision to uphold the Constitution. The law was in violation of Article 26 of the Constitution,” he added.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court had proposed to stay certain key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. These include the power to denotify properties declared as Waqf by courts, and the inclusion of non-Muslims in central Waqf councils and boards. The proposal came during a hearing of 72 petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Act, before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan.
The Centre opposed the proposed order, seeking a more detailed hearing before any interim relief could be granted.
New Waqf law fuelling communal tensions, says Arvind Sawant
Opposing the law, the Mumbai South Lok Sabha MP stressed that his party was against malpractices and corruption taking place in the name of Waqf but his party's main concern was if non-Muslims are appointed on central Waqf councils, then there is a possibility of appointing a non-Hindu on a Hindu temple board.
“If non-Muslims are appointed to central Waqf councils, then there is a possibility of appointing a non-Hindu on a Hindu temple board. This is unacceptable,” he stated.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also spoke about the recent incidents of violence across the country, including in West Bengal over the legislation and alleged that the unrest stemmed from the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) divisive policies.
“The plinth of this violence was laid by the BJP by bringing the law on Waqf,” he alleged.
Communal violence broke out in parts of Murshidabad district — notably in Suti, Samserganj, Dhulian, and Jangipur — earlier this month during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. At least three people were reported dead and hundreds were rendered homeless.
The Supreme Court has described the violence during these protests as “very disturbing.”
Sawant criticised the Central Government for failing to prevent such unrest and alleged that the law was fuelling communal tensions rather than promoting social harmony.
(With PTI inputs)
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