Chaos erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday as the National Conference (NC) and its allies opposed the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Opposition members tore copies of the bill and attempted to reach the well of the House, but were stopped by Marshalls. (PICS/PTI)
Updated On: 2025-04-07 01:28 PM IST
Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava
The uproar followed Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s decision to reject an adjournment motion moved by NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq. Speaker Rather cited Assembly rules stating sub judice matters cannot be discussed under adjournment motions, referencing the bill's pending status in the Supreme Court.
NC members raised slogans against the Waqf Bill, demanding its withdrawal and calling it unconstitutional. On 5 April, President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Budget Session.
Congress MLA Irfan Hafeez Lone accused the government of trampling over democratic principles, federalism, and secularism. The PDP, though not in alliance with the NC, joined the protest, with leader Waheed Para alleging that the Speaker was facilitating a "fixed match."
The bill seeks to modernise the management of Waqf properties through better governance and the use of technology.
It repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923 and amends the original Waqf Act of 1995, following recommendations by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, while 288 Lok Sabha members supported it, and 232 opposed.