Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 7: A sharp political divide has emerged as BJP Rajya Sabha member Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized opposition parties for challenging the recently enacted amendments to the Waqf Act in the Supreme Court, accusing them of injecting political motives into a legally sound process.

Trivedi emphasized the rigorous constitutional path the legislation followed, stating, "The Waqf Amendment law has been enacted by fulfilling all necessary constitutional requirements step by step. It was introduced in Parliament, referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), and brought back with recommendations. Both Houses debated it extensively, with discussions stretching into the early morning. The President has given assent, and it is now law."

His remarks were a direct response to the wave of petitions filed in the Supreme Court by various political entities, contesting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, immediately after its parliamentary approval.

"All opposition parties, who have repeatedly shown contempt for constitutional arrangements, are now rushing to the court. It's strange that some even approached the court when the legislation was still a Bill. Today, political party leaders themselves are filing petitions," Trivedi asserted, questioning the timing and intent of the legal challenges.

He further argued, "Two things are evident. First, it is not in accordance with the dignity of the court to put anything political in the judicial process of the Supreme Court. Second, if each party is approaching the court individually, it shows they don't trust each other and are competing among themselves."

Trivedi urged the opposition to respect the judicial process, cautioning, "Once you go to the Supreme Court, avoid political rhetoric. This not only undermines the dignity of the court but also the constitutional process you've been part of." He expressed confidence in the court's impartiality, affirming that the government "acted within the framework of the Constitution" and that the "court will uphold the law."

The political fallout extended to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, where protests from NC, Congress, PDP, and Independent MLAs disrupted proceedings, leading to a temporary adjournment. The MLAs demanded a discussion on the Act, which the Speaker declined.

Trivedi condemned the state's reaction, stating, "States like Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir opposing a law passed by Parliament in their assemblies is a violation of the Constitution's spirit. No state legislature has the authority to pass adverse comments on a central law." He further added, "The bill being torn in the J&K Assembly is like tearing apart the spirit of the Constitution. These are the very people who keep the Constitution in their pockets but want to use it according to their own will. Their actions clearly show who poses a danger to the Constitution."