"Shut Parliament If SC Makes Laws": BJP MP Dubey slams Supreme Court over Waqf act hearing

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has stirred controversy with his sharp remarks following the Supreme Court’s decision to hear petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the amended Waqf Act. The apex court began proceedings on Wednesday and continued for a second day on Thursday, reviewing several provisions of the legislation passed earlier this year by both Houses of Parliament.

Taking to social media, Dubey criticised the judiciary’s intervention, stating, “If the Supreme Court makes the law then the Parliament House should be closed.” His comments come in response to the court's scrutiny of amendments that petitioners argue infringe on constitutional rights—particularly clauses allowing non-Muslims to be included in Waqf Boards and the denotification of "waqf by user" properties.

The Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, expressed concerns over key provisions of the amended law and hinted at possible interim orders to stay some of them. The bench is examining multiple petitions that challenge the 2025 amendments to the original 1995 Waqf Act.

During Thursday’s hearing, the Centre assured the court that no non-Muslims would be appointed to Waqf Boards or Councils until further notice. Additionally, it pledged that no waqf properties—including those categorized as “waqf by user”—would be denotified or have their status altered by District Collectors during the ongoing legal proceedings.

The Supreme Court has given the government a week to submit its preliminary response, along with supporting documents. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 5.

The legal challenge and subsequent political backlash underscore the sensitivity surrounding the Waqf Act and its recent amendments, which have already sparked unrest in regions like Murshidabad. The top court had earlier described the violence linked to protests against the Act as “very disturbing.