Supreme Court to Hear Pleas Challenging Waqf Amendment Act Today

Over 10 petitions question constitutional validity of the amended law; AIMPLB, Owaisi, DMK among key challengers

New Delhi, April 16, 2025 – A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna will today hear a batch of over 10 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of several provisions under the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

The petitions, filed by politicians, religious leaders, and civil rights groups, claim that the amended legislation infringes on religious freedom, minority rights, and waqf autonomy.

Also Read: Waqf Act Protests Turn Deadly in Bengal: 3 Dead, 150 Arrested; BJP Alleges Hindus Fleeing Murshidabad

Prominent petitioners include AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and religious bodies like Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, represented by Maulana Arshad Madani, among others.

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Key Allegations: Religious Erosion and Democratic Disruption

Petitioners argue that the amendments “distort the religious identity of waqfs” and compromise the democratic management of waqf properties. They claim the law gives excessive control to the government over Muslim charitable endowments, threatening both the religious essence and legal autonomy of waqfs.

Also Read: Violent Protests Over Waqf Act Rock West Bengal; Railway Tracks Blocked, Police Injured

Maulana Arshad Madani stated in his petition that the changes “destroy the very foundation of waqf jurisprudence in India” and aim to redefine the religious institution’s societal role.

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Constitutional Challenges Raised

The petitions contend the Act violates multiple constitutional provisions:

Also Read: Waqf Amendment Bill Becomes Law After Heated Debates, President Murmu Gives Assent

• Article 14 – Right to Equality
• Article 25 – Freedom of Religion
• Article 26 – Freedom to Manage Religious Affairs
• Article 29 – Protection of Minority Rights
• Article 300-A – Right to Property

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Centre’s Response and Caveat

The Central Government has filed a caveat, requesting the court not to issue any interim order without hearing its side. Petitioners, however, have urged the court to stay implementation of the law until a final verdict is delivered.

Political parties like the RJD and DMK have also submitted separate pleas, arguing the amendments enable unconstitutional state interference in religious institutions. DMK’s A Raja and RJD’s Manoj Jha and Faiyaz Ahmad are among those opposing the law.

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🧾 Background

Passed amid sharp opposition, the Waqf (Amendment) Act has triggered protests across the country, especially among Muslim organizations and community leaders who say it is an attempt to centralize and secularize control over religious endowments.

Tags: Waqf Amendment Act, Supreme Court of India, S Jaishankar, Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMPLB, constitutional rights, Article 25, minority rights, religious freedom, Indian judiciary