Mon Apr 28 07:18:55 UTC 2025: **Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Fresh Pleas Challenging Waqf Amendment Act**
NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a fresh plea challenging the constitutional validity of the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The court, citing the large number of similar petitions already filed, directed the petitioner to instead file an intervention application in five existing cases currently scheduled for hearing on May 5th.
The court’s bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, stated that it would not entertain the “hundreds” of petitions on the issue. A total of 72 petitions had been filed against the Act, including those from prominent figures like AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
The court had previously limited the hearing to only five petitions on April 17th. While appointing three nodal counsels to represent the petitioners, the court allowed them to file rejoinders to the government’s response within five days. The next hearing on May 5th will focus on preliminary objections and interim orders.
The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, has assured the court that it will not denotify Waqf properties or make appointments to the central Waqf council and boards until May 5th. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has also submitted a 1,332-page affidavit defending the Act and opposing a blanket stay, emphasizing its presumption of constitutionality due to its parliamentary passage. The Act passed both houses of Parliament with substantial majorities.
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