Supreme Court to Hear Pleas on Waqf Act Amendments on May 20

Supreme Court to Hear Pleas on Waqf Act Amendments on May 20

Last Updated May - 15 - 2025, 04:27 PM | Source : Fela News

The Supreme Court will hold a full-day hearing on May 20 to decide on an interim stay of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Over 100 petitions challenge the law, c

A Supreme Court Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih announced that May 20, 2025, will be fully dedicated to hearing arguments on whether to grant an interim stay on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Chief Justice Gavai directed lawyers to come prepared with a consolidated note of arguments to avoid adjournment.

This is the first time the case came before the new CJI, following earlier hearings by a Bench led by former CJI Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who retired on May 13. Justice Khanna had acknowledged the seriousness of the case but opted not to reserve orders due to limited time left in his tenure.

Previously, on April 17, the government assured the court it would not alter the character of waqf properties under the new law, a statement recorded in the court order. The government has defended the amendments, citing a sharp rise in waqf assets and misuse of land.

Over 100 petitions challenge the amendments, arguing they infringe on Muslims’ rights to manage their religious properties. Concerns include the dilution of “waqf-by-user” status and the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf governance bodies. The Court has consolidated the matter to prevent duplication.

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