Supreme Court Rejects Fresh Petitions Challenging Waqf Act Amendments
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed new petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, directing attention to five pending cases scheduled for hearing on May 20, Muslim Mirror reported.
Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih declined interim relief, stating the court would prioritize core issues, including the power to denotify waqf properties, board composition, and disputes over government land claims.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, opposed repetitive filings, while petitioners argued procedural delays. The bench reiterated its April 17 stance to limit interventions, citing overcrowded litigation.
Earlier, the Centre assured no waqf property denotifications or board appointments until May 5, later extending the pause. The government defended the amendments through a 1,332-page affidavit, opposing interim stays by invoking Parliament’s “presumption of constitutionality.” Key disputes involve whether state waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council must comprise only Muslim members (excluding ex-officio roles) and provisions allowing collectors to reclassify waqf lands as government property.
The court’s May 20 hearing will address interim directions on these contested clauses.
