The Supreme Court on Thursday said that it will consider the question of interim relief in pleas challenging validity of Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on May 20, adding that it will not consider any plea seeking stay provisions of the earlier 1995 Waqf law.
The bench led by CJI Justice B R Gavai will consider whether interim order is required on three issues: waqf by user, nomination of non-Muslims to Wakf Council and Boards, and identification of government land under waqf.
The case was earlier being heard by former CJI Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who retired on May 13.
The Act, which came into effect on April 5, sparked controversy over key provisions, particularly those concerning waqf by user, the denotification of waqf properties, and the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards.
What happened so far
On April 17, the SC had recorded an assurance from the Union government that no waqf properties, including those recognised through long-standing usage ("waqf by user"), would be denotified and no appointments would be made to waqf councils or boards until May 5.
The assurance came after the Centre requested the court not to stay the law without hearing its side, noting that the Act had been passed by Parliament following "due deliberations."
Opposing any interim stay, the Centre had earlier objected to the apex court's proposal to freeze key provisions of the Act, arguing that such a move would amount to judicial overreach into legislative powers.
Centre's defence
On April 25, the ministry of minority affairs submitted a 1,332-page affidavit defending the law and calling for dismissal of the petitions.
The affidavit strongly rejected demands for a "blanket stay" and claimed there was a "mischievous false narrative" surrounding the amendment.
The government also countered concerns that the inclusion of non-Muslims could dilute the representation of Muslims in waqf institutions. It justified the provision on waqf by user, warning that judicial intervention could result in a “legislative regime by judicial order.”
Interestingly, the Centre flagged a 116 per cent increase in the number of waqf properties recorded since 2013, calling it "shocking" and indirectly suggesting irregularities or manipulation in the waqf records over the years.
The bench led by CJI Justice B R Gavai will consider whether interim order is required on three issues: waqf by user, nomination of non-Muslims to Wakf Council and Boards, and identification of government land under waqf.
The case was earlier being heard by former CJI Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who retired on May 13.
The Act, which came into effect on April 5, sparked controversy over key provisions, particularly those concerning waqf by user, the denotification of waqf properties, and the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards.
What happened so far
On April 17, the SC had recorded an assurance from the Union government that no waqf properties, including those recognised through long-standing usage ("waqf by user"), would be denotified and no appointments would be made to waqf councils or boards until May 5.
The assurance came after the Centre requested the court not to stay the law without hearing its side, noting that the Act had been passed by Parliament following "due deliberations."
Opposing any interim stay, the Centre had earlier objected to the apex court's proposal to freeze key provisions of the Act, arguing that such a move would amount to judicial overreach into legislative powers.
Centre's defence
On April 25, the ministry of minority affairs submitted a 1,332-page affidavit defending the law and calling for dismissal of the petitions.
The affidavit strongly rejected demands for a "blanket stay" and claimed there was a "mischievous false narrative" surrounding the amendment.
The government also countered concerns that the inclusion of non-Muslims could dilute the representation of Muslims in waqf institutions. It justified the provision on waqf by user, warning that judicial intervention could result in a “legislative regime by judicial order.”
Interestingly, the Centre flagged a 116 per cent increase in the number of waqf properties recorded since 2013, calling it "shocking" and indirectly suggesting irregularities or manipulation in the waqf records over the years.
You may also like
Pam Bondi sold Trump Media holdings worth over $1 million on the day of tariff announcement
Himachal farmers demand ban on Turkish apple imports, urge centre to impose 100% duty
The Chase's Jenny Ryan lands job away from quiz show as new role is confirmed
Charles Leclerc struck down by illness Ferrari F1 star skips Imola GP duties
12 day Saraswati Pushkaralu festival begins in Telangana's Kaleshwaram
