Over 10 petitions, including those from political leaders and civil rights groups, challenge the constitutional validity of the Waqf Act as Centre seeks hearing before any SC order is passed.
April 8,2025: The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 officially came into force on Tuesday, April 8, after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on April 5. The legislation, passed by both Houses of Parliament amid intense debate, has now prompted multiple legal challenges in the Supreme Court.
Also Read: Waqf Amendment Bill Becomes Law After Heated Debates, President Murmu Gives Assent
According to government sources, the Centre has filed a caveat in the apex court, urging that no order be passed on the petitions challenging the Act without first hearing the government’s side. The matter is expected to be listed before a bench on April 15, although it was not yet visible on the Supreme Court’s official website at the time of this report.
🔍 What the Waqf Amendment Bill Does
The Bill, passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha with 288 and 128 votes in favour, respectively, repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923. While the government has described the new law as a “historic reform” to benefit the minority community, the opposition has slammed it as “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.”
Also Read: Waqf Amendment Bill Passes Lok Sabha Amid Fierce Opposition, 288-232 Vote Split
🧑⚖️ Pleas in Supreme Court
At least 10 petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutional validity of the Act.
Petitioners include:
- Mohammad Jawed (Congress MP): Argued that the law imposes “arbitrary restrictions” on Waqf properties and discriminates against Muslims.
- Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM president): Claimed the law strips Waqfs of protections offered to religious endowments of other faiths.
- Amanatullah Khan (AAP MLA): Cited violations of several constitutional rights, including Articles 14, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 300-A.
- APCR (NGO): Also filed a plea challenging the Bill’s validity.
- RJD (via MP Manoj Jha and Fayaz Ahmed): Filed a petition representing the party’s opposition to the law.
📍 Government’s Next Move
The Centre’s caveat is a procedural safeguard to ensure it is heard before any interim relief is granted by the court. The legal battle is expected to shape how religious endowments and minority rights are interpreted under the Indian Constitution.
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Waqf Amendment Act, Supreme Court India, Waqf Act 2025, Mohammad Jawed, Asaduddin Owaisi, Amanatullah Khan, AIMIM, Congress, RJD, Minority Rights, Religious Endowments, Indian Constitution, Centre Caveat, SC Hearing Waqf