New Delhi, April 10, 2025: The Supreme Court will on April 16 hear a batch of 10 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The Act, which came into force on April 8, is facing stiff opposition from several political leaders, civil rights groups, and religious organisations.
The petitions, listed as item No. 13 on the Supreme Court’s cause list, will be taken up by a Bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan.
Among those who have moved the top court are AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Arshad Madani, RJD MP Manoj Jha, AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, the DMK through MP A. Raja, and Congress MP Mohammad Jawed. Civil society groups such as the Association for Protection of Civil Rights and Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama are also among the petitioners.
Madani’s plea seeks a stay on the operation of the amended law, calling it a direct attack on the Constitution and religious freedoms of Muslims. Jawed, the first to file a petition, argued the amendment imposes arbitrary restrictions on Waqf property management and undermines the community’s autonomy.
The amendment was passed amid fierce debate—cleared in the Lok Sabha on April 3 with 288 votes in favour and 232 against, and later in the Rajya Sabha on April 4 by 128-95. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on April 5.
Key provisions include limiting Waqf declarations to self-owned resources, requiring the district collector to verify ownership before approval, and enabling state governments to nominate members—including Shia, Sunni, and backward class representatives—to Waqf Boards. The government argues it ensures property rights and better governance, while critics call it a tool to weaken minority institutions.
The Centre, anticipating legal challenges, has already filed a caveat to ensure no ex-parte stay is granted without its hearing.
