Sun May 04 23:49:05 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court to Hear Challenges to Controversial Waqf Amendment Act

**New Delhi, May 5, 2025** – The Supreme Court of India will hear a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on Monday. The Act, passed by Parliament last month, has faced significant opposition from various political parties, Muslim organizations, and civil society groups.

The government, which had temporarily paused two key aspects of the law – denotifying waqf properties and making appointments to the Central Waqf Council – has defended the Act in a 1,332-page affidavit. The affidavit claims the amendment aims to address misuse of waqf provisions to encroach upon private and government properties, citing a substantial increase in registered waqf land after a 2013 amendment. The government attributes this increase to the mandatory registration of waqf properties, including “waqf by user” (properties used for religious purposes without formal declaration).

However, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has contested the government’s data, accusing it of submitting inaccurate information to the court. The AIMPLB and other petitioners argue the Act infringes on the rights of the Muslim community.

The Supreme Court previously rejected additional petitions on the matter, focusing its hearing on five key cases, including one filed by AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi. The court’s decision on Monday will have significant implications for the management of waqf properties in India. The hearing is expected to determine the future of the controversial amendment, with the court weighing the government’s claims against the concerns raised by petitioners.

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