‘File is closed for us’: Sanjay Raut says that India will not transfer Supreme Court against Shiv Sena (UBT) Waqf Bill
New Delhi: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and senior leader Sanjay Raut said on Saturday that the party will not challenge the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025 in the Supreme Court, indicating that it considers the matter to be closed.
Talking to reporters, Raut said, “No, we have done our work. We have said what we have to say and have taken our decision. This file is now closed for us.”
A day after his comment, he rapidly criticized the bill, alleging that it was less about protecting Muslim interests and more about the facility of business-acquisition of Waqf land and property by the government. Raut had claimed that the move was inspired by interest in an estimated Waqf assets worth Rs 2 lakh crore.
While Shiv Sena (UBT) is returning, many other leaders have already taken the matter to the Supreme Court. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress leader Mohammad Jaw, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan have filed petitions challenging the bill.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has already been passed by both houses of Parliament and now waiting for President Draupadi MurmuAssurance of
The Lok Sabha approved the bill after a 12 -hour debate, with voting in favor of 288 MPs and voting against 232. The Rajya Sabha passed it immediately after midnight, in favor of 128 and opposed 95.
The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 and strengthen the administration and management of Waqf properties across India. This includes provisions to streamline the registration of WAQF properties, reduce compulsory contribution to WAQF boards from 7% to 5%, introduce a mandate audit for institutions earning more than Rs 1 lakh, and a centralized digital system for better oversight.
The government has said that the law is based on the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee and aims to make WAQF institutions more transparent and efficient.
