Fri Apr 25 10:08:37 UTC 2025: **Supreme Court to Hear Challenges to Waqf Amendment Act**
NEW DELHI (April 25, 2025) – The Indian government today defended the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, in a 1,332-page affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court. The act is facing challenges from several petitions.
The government argued that the amendments were necessary due to the alleged misuse of previous provisions, resulting in a reported increase of over 20 lakh hectares of waqf land since 2013. The affidavit stated that this expansion significantly exceeded the land registered before and after India’s independence. It further asserted that the amendments don’t infringe on religious freedom and were the result of thorough parliamentary review.
The Centre requested the court to dismiss the petitions, arguing against a blanket stay on the act, citing the presumption of constitutionality for laws passed by Parliament. While acknowledging the court’s right to review the law, the government stressed that a stay could have unforeseen negative consequences.
The Supreme Court, currently hearing the petitions, will reconvene on May 5th to consider interim orders. Until then, the government has pledged not to denotify any waqf properties or make appointments to relevant councils.
First Piper 