Thu May 22 14:12:40 UTC 2025: Here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:
**Supreme Court Reserves Order on Waqf Law Amendment: Petitioners Argue Violation of Fundamental Rights**
**New Delhi, India** – The Supreme Court has reserved its order on a plea seeking an interim stay on the Waqf (Amendment) Law after petitioners concluded arguments claiming the law violates fundamental rights. At the heart of the debate is whether “waqf,” charitable donations in Islam, should be considered an integral part of the religion, and thus a fundamental right.
Petitioners, led by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, argued that waqf is a dedication to God central to Islamic practices, countering the government’s stance that it is not essential to the religion and thus not a fundamental right. The court, however, pointed out the presence of similar charitable concepts in other religions, like “moksha” in Hinduism.
Key points of contention in the new law include:
* **Composition of Waqf Boards:** The mandatory inclusion of non-Muslims on waqf boards, which the government argues is necessary for secular duties like asset management, but petitioners claim violates religious freedom.
* **Religious Proof for Donors:** A provision requiring Muslims to have practiced their faith for at least five years to make donations, which petitioners denounce as discriminatory.
* **Removal of ‘Waqf by User’:** The elimination of the provision allowing waqf boards to claim properties based on usage by Muslims, a measure the government defends as necessary to prevent abuse.
The government argues that these amendments ensure fair and transparent administration of Waqf properties, which include secular institutions. They oppose any stay on the law’s implementation. The court is now considering its decision after hearing arguments from both sides.
First Piper 