SC Hears Pleas Challenging Waqf (Amendment) Act, Highlights Presumption of Constitutionality
“There is a presumption of constitutionality for statutes. Courts can’t interfere unless a glaring case is made out. That’s what we have been taught since law school,” remarked Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud as the Supreme Court began hearing petitions against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal countered, warning that the amendments could cause “irreparable damage” by enabling state authorities to take over waqf properties without due process. “This law is not protecting waqf, it is designed to capture it,” he argued, urging the court to consider the broader constitutional implications of the amendments.
Supreme Court Defers Hearing on Waqf Amendment Act to May 20
The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 to May 20. A new bench led by CJI B R Gavai assured that key contentious provisions will not be enforced for now. The Court also re-designated the case as In Re: Challenge to Waqf Amendment Act to avoid communal bias, while firmly refusing to entertain challenges to the 1995 Act within these proceedings.
“SC Rules ‘False Promise of Marriage’ Claim Invalid After Years of Live-In Relationship”
The Supreme Court has held that claims of a 'false promise of marriage' are untenable in long-term live-in relationships between consenting adults, emphasizing that such arrangements often reflect mutual choice and evolving social norms driven by financial independence, especially among women.
CJI Forwards SC Panel Report on Justice Yashwant Varma to President, PM Following Cash Recovery Allegations
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has submitted a Supreme Court in-house panel report to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the recovery of a large amount of cash from the residence of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. The three-judge committee confirmed the discovery following a fire at the judge’s home on March 14. Justice Varma has responded to the findings, which were included in the CJI's communication to the top constitutional authorities.
Top Court Panel Confirms Cash Recovery at Justice Varma’s Home, Resignation Option Offered
A Supreme Court-appointed committee has confirmed the recovery of burnt currency notes from Justice Yashwant Varma’s residence during a fire on March 14. The in-house inquiry report has been submitted to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, who has given Justice Varma two days to respond. Sources indicate he has been offered the option to resign, failing which impeachment proceedings may be initiated.
