Archive · 22 May 2025
Supreme Court Hears Waqf Act Challenges, Reserves Order
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments about changes to the Waqf Act.
Those against the changes are worried about how the government can change waqf property rules and the people in charge of waqf boards.
The government says the law is fair and legal, as waqf is a secular idea.
One key issue is if the government can take away the waqf status of land.
The judges discussed different views on religious practices during the hearing.
The court heard arguments for three days and will make a decision later on some issues.
The Supreme Court heard arguments against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
Hearing took place on May 22, 2025, with the court reserving interim orders.
Petitioners object to property denotification and waqf board composition.
The Centre defended the Act, citing its secular nature and presumption of constitutionality.
Discussions included religious comparisons, like Moksha in Hinduism.
- Who
- Supreme Court
- What
- Hearing challenges to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
- When
- May 22, 2025
- Where
- Supreme Court
- Why
- To decide on challenges to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
Petitioners' Concerns
Centre's Defense
Property Denotification
Petitioners' Concerns
Object to properties declared as waqf being denotified.
Centre's Defense
The Centre defended the Act and opposed any stay, citing the presumption of constitutionality.
Waqf Board Composition
Petitioners' Concerns
Object to the composition of state waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council, arguing that only Muslims should be members.
Centre's Defense
The Centre defended the Act, stating waqf is a secular concept.
Government Land Inquiry
Petitioners' Concerns
Object to a provision where property is not treated as waqf if a district collector deems it government land.
Centre's Defense
The Centre argued that waqf is to Allah and irrevocable and the Act protects tribal land.
- Legislation
- Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
- Court Involved
- Supreme Court
- Hearing Date
- May 22, 2025
- Petitioners' Advocates
- Kapil Sibal, Rajeev Dhavan, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and Huzefa Ahmadi
- Centre's Advocate
- Tushar Mehta
Sources
Creation of waqfs is not an essential religious practice of Islam: Centre
Law requiring registration of waqf properties there since 1923: Govt to SC
Waqf boards and Hindu endowment boards can't be compared: Centre in SC
Waqf (Amendment) Act hearing LIVE: Supreme Court to continue to hear pleas
Owaisi slams Centre over Waqf legislation, calls it blow to federalism
In Hindus, there's Moksh: Supreme Court on 'waqf is charity to God' argument
Supreme Court reserves order on pleas seeking stay on Waqf Amendment Act 2025
Supreme Court reserves interim orders in waqf case
Top news of the day: Supreme Court reserves verdict in Waqf Act case; Jaishankar says India-Pakistan understanding reached bilaterally, and more
SC reserves interim orders in waqf case
