By The Sampadak Express
The Centre has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, seeking a hearing before any orders are passed on multiple pleas challenging the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. This follows the President’s assent to the legislation on April 5, after it was passed in Parliament during the recent Budget Session.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act came into force on April 8. The Bill had sparked a heated 13-hour debate in Parliament, with the opposition terming it “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional,” while the government defended it as a “historic reform” meant to benefit the minority community. The Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, while the Lok Sabha saw 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
In addition to the Waqf Amendment Bill, Parliament also approved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, which repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923.
Legal Challenges to Waqf Act
Over 10 petitions, including those from Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, and various organizations like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Act’s constitutionality. The petitions argue that the Act imposes arbitrary restrictions on Waqf properties, undermines religious autonomy, and discriminates against Muslims.
Jawed’s petition contends that the Act imposes limitations on Waqfs based on the duration of religious practices, which he argues is discriminatory. Owaisi, in his separate plea, claims the Bill strips Waqfs of protections afforded to religious endowments of other religions, violating constitutional rights. AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan and other groups, including the Association for the Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), have also challenged the Bill on constitutional grounds.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has also indicated plans to challenge the Act, with party leaders filing petitions in the Supreme Court.
The petitions are likely to be listed for hearing on April 15, although no official listing has appeared on the Supreme Court’s website yet. The Centre’s caveat aims to ensure that it is heard before any decision is made on these legal challenges.
