'File closed for us': Sanjay Raut says Shiv Sena (UBT) won't move Supreme Court against Waqf Bill

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and senior leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said the party will not challenge the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, in the Supreme Court, signalling that it considers the matter closed
Speaking to reporters, Raut said, “No. We have done our work. We have said what we had to say and made our decision. This file is closed for us now.”
His remarks come a day after he sharply criticised the Bill, alleging that it was less about protecting Muslim interests and more about facilitating a business-like acquisition of Waqf land and property by the government. Raut had claimed the move was driven by an interest in Waqf assets worth an estimated Rs 2 lakh crore.
While the Shiv Sena (UBT) is stepping back, several other leaders have already taken the matter to the Supreme Court. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress leader Mohammad Jawed, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan have all filed petitions challenging the Bill.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has already been passed by both Houses of Parliament and now awaits President Droupadi Murmu’s assent.
The Lok Sabha cleared the Bill after a 12-hour debate, with 288 MPs voting in favour and 232 against. The Rajya Sabha passed it shortly after midnight, with 128 in favour and 95 opposed.
The Bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 and strengthen the administration and management of Waqf properties across India. It includes provisions to streamline the registration of Waqf properties, reduce the mandatory contribution to Waqf Boards from 7% to 5%, mandate audits for institutions earning above Rs 1 lakh, and introduce a centralised digital system for better oversight.
The government has said the legislation is based on recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee and is intended to make Waqf institutions more transparent and efficient.