In a move that has stirred both legal and public interest, the Supreme Court of India has stepped in to closely examine the newly amended Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. On Thursday, the highest court of the country granted the Central Government one week to submit its reply to multiple petitions challenging the constitutionality of this law.
A Moment of Relief for Concerned Communities
The courtroom atmosphere was tense but hopeful as Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, led the bench in hearing the case. Their decision not only gave the Centre a much-needed window to present its stance, but also brought temporary relief to those affected by the law, especially in matters concerning ‘waqf by user’ properties.
No Appointments to Waqf Bodies for Now
What made the moment even more significant was the assurance from the Centre that no new appointments would be made to the Waqf Council or any state Waqf Boards until the next hearing. This gesture, although temporary, seemed to reflect a willingness to cooperate and give space for judicial scrutiny.
Court Raises Tough Questions About the Law
During the previous hearing on Wednesday, the Supreme Court had openly raised concerns about various aspects of the new law. It questioned whether properties declared as ‘waqf by user’ under earlier court orders could still retain their status.
Interim Relief Over Immediate Action
The court hinted that it was inclined to pass an interim order pausing the law’s operation on these sensitive aspects. However, it held back from issuing such an order immediately, giving the Centre and state governments a fair opportunity to respond in detail.
Five Lead Petitions to Be Heard Under a Common Title
Adding clarity to the way forward, the court decided that five key petitions challenging the 2025 Waqf Amendment Act will be treated as lead cases. These were separated from older petitions that targeted the Waqf Acts of 1995 and 2013. The new petitions will now be heard together under a unified title: “In Re: Waqf Amendment Act 2025.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on currently available court updates and is intended for informational purposes only. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and developments may follow. Readers are advised to follow verified news sources or official court communications for further updates.
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