Wed Apr 16 01:56:57 UTC 2025: **Supreme Court to Hear Challenges to Waqf Amendment Act**
NEW DELHI, April 16, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on Wednesday. The petitions, filed by a diverse range of individuals and organizations, including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, AAP leader Amanatullah Khan, and several political parties such as the Samajwadi Party and TMC, argue that the Act is unconstitutional.
The court has already listed ten petitions, with several more pending. These challenges allege violations of fundamental rights and raise concerns about the Act’s potential impact on Waqf property management. Conversely, six BJP-ruled states – Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Assam – have filed interventions supporting the Act, emphasizing the need for reforms in Waqf administration and highlighting concerns about past irregularities. These states cite issues like incomplete property surveys, lack of transparency, and the need for a more unified management structure.
The Centre has also filed a caveat, ensuring it is heard before any orders are passed. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, DMK, and several Congress MPs are among the other key petitioners. The bill initially passed the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, and the Lok Sabha with 288 in favor and 232 opposed. The hearing is expected to draw significant attention given the wide range of petitioners and the potentially far-reaching consequences of the court’s decision.
First Piper 