Supreme Court to Hear Petitions Challenging Waqf (Amendment) Act Today
The Supreme Court is set to continue hearing a series of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on Thursday. The top court will address the matter at 2 p.m. with a bench consisting of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan.
Concerns Raised During the Hearing
During the hearing on Wednesday, the court highlighted three major concerns related to the amendment act. These concerns included the validity of Waqf properties declared earlier by court decrees, the composition of Waqf Council with non-Muslim majority members, and the pending enquiries on disputed Waqf properties.
After the hearing, CJI Sanjiv Khanna expressed his concern over the violence in West Bengal against the amendments to the Waqf Act. He emphasized the need to maintain peace and order during the legal proceedings.
The Supreme Court proposed an order stating that properties declared as Waqf, including “waqf by user”, should not be de-notified. However, the Centre opposed this suggestion and requested a hearing before any such directive is passed.
Key Points Discussed in the Hearing
Various senior advocates, including Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Rajeev Dhawan, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, presented their arguments during the hearing. The court also questioned the process of registering Waqf properties by user, emphasizing the importance of preserving genuine Waqfs while addressing any misuse.
The Centre highlighted the extensive parliamentary discussions and examinations that led to the passing of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The Act received the President’s assent on April 5 after rigorous debates in both Houses of Parliament.
A total of 72 petitions challenging the Act’s validity have been filed, including those by AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMPLB, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, DMK, and Congress MPs. The Centre filed a caveat in the Supreme Court on April 8 to ensure a fair hearing before any orders are passed.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Supreme Court’s proceedings regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
