‘Act erodes religious freedom’

Hyderabad: Telangana state waqf board member Maulana Syed Akbar Nizamuddin Hussaini challenged the new Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 in the Supreme Court, stating that it violates the fundamental rights of Muslims and erodes institutional autonomy and religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.The petition was filed on behalf of the Anjuman-e-Sajjadagaan-o-Mutawalliyaan-o-Khidmatguzaraan-e-Waqf, claiming that the new law undermines centuries-old practices of managing waqf properties.The Anjuman is an authoritative body comprising hereditary custodians (sajjadagaan), trustees (mutawalliyaan), and caretakers (khidmat guzaraan) of waqf institutions. It has historically engaged in the preservation, administration, and religious service of waqf estates.As representatives of mashaikheen and other traditional waqf functionaries, the Anjuman contends that the new legislation erodes both institutional autonomy and religious freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution."The Waqf Act of 1954 ensured that state waqf boards functioned autonomously and with due regard for the religious character of waqf. The Waqf Amendment Act 2025, however, dismantles this autonomy, placing critical decisions under govt control. This runs contrary to the very concept of waqf, which is an expression of religious duty and spiritual commitment," Syed Akbar Nizamuddin said.The petition argues that the new Act violates Articles of the Constitution, which safeguard the rights of religious communities to manage their own institutions and practice their faith freely. It also questions the legality of certain provisions that reportedly empower govt agencies to override decisions of waqf boards and traditional custodians.Syed Akbar Nizamuddin is also the Mutawalli and Sajjada Nasheen of Dargah Hazrat Shah Khamosh, Nampally.