Apni Party to move SC against Waqf Act amendments: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, Apr 7: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today said that his party will move to Supreme Court (SC) against the Waqf Act amendments.

Talking to media persons after a party meeting he described the legislation as an assault on the religious and constitutional rights of the Muslim community in India. The meeting, chaired by Bukhari, focused primarily on the controversial Waqf Act amendments, which the party believes undermine the autonomy of Muslim religious endowments and pose a threat to the community’s centuries-old charitable and cultural institutions.

Following extensive deliberations, the meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution condemning the amendments and calling upon the Government of India to withdraw the legislation. The resolution also urged public support and civil society engagement to mount a broader challenge to the law.

“Apni Party stands united in expressing deep concern over the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill and urges the Government of India to reconsider it and engage in meaningful consultation with community leaders, scholars, legal experts, and representatives of Waqf Boards across the country,” the resolution reads.

“Any reform concerning Waqf institutions must respect their spiritual sanctity, historical purpose, and the fundamental principles of religious freedom.”

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic methods, the party said it would pursue the matter legally and called for peaceful protests to raise awareness about the potential implications of the amended legislation.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Bukhari described the Waqf Act as a serious threat to the rights and identity of Muslims across India. He said the amendments, if not reversed, could strip the community of the autonomy it has traditionally exercised over Waqf properties, many of which have supported education, welfare, and religious activities for generations.

“We are all deeply concerned about the recently passed Waqf Act, as we believe this legislation threatens and undermines the rights of millions of Muslims across our great nation,” Bukhari said.

“For centuries, Waqf institutions have been pillars of compassion, education, and service—funded by the sacrifices of our ancestors to uplift the marginalized and preserve Islamic culture. The Waqf Act risks stripping away our community’s autonomy, replacing spiritual stewardship with bureaucratic control.”

Calling the issue one of national concern, not confined to a single community, Bukhari appealed to citizens of all faiths to stand united in defending constitutional values.

“This is not merely a Muslim issue—it is a matter of constitutional rights and religious freedom that should concern every Indian who values justice,” he said. “I pledge my full support to all Indians—Muslims and non-Muslims alike—in this legal and moral battle. Whether in courtrooms, on the streets, or in the halls of Parliament, we Kashmiris will stand firm with you. Our struggle is not against the nation but against injustice. We believe in the power of dialogue, the Constitution, and the collective conscience of India to uphold what is right.”

The party’s leadership also reiterated that the legal move to the Supreme Court is aimed at ensuring that justice is done and the rights of the Muslim community are safeguarded through constitutional mechanisms.