Waqf Amendment Act Hearing Live Updates: 'Retaliation in guise of reform', Congress attacks Centre over Waqf law

Made waqf law after 1,700 plaints from Muslims: PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi said Thursday the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 was enacted following hundreds of complaints from people from the Muslim community, including women and widows, against the earlier system.

During a meeting with a delegation of the Dawoodi Bohra community, the PM recalled receiving over 1,700 complaints about waqf properties from various Muslim communities after his re-election in 2019, which prompted govt to initiate reforms.

"The new law will soon resolve these grievances, earning the blessings of the poorest of the poor. I've been fighting to empower victims of the previous laws, especially widows, who suffered the most. Our goal is to ensure justice for them," Modi said during his brief address.

Highlighting his long-standing ties with the Dawoodi Bohra community, Modi praised their tradition of social welfare and significant contribution to the waqf Act. He noted that one of his earliest discussions on the law was with Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, whose insights were instrumental in shaping the legislation.

The delegation, comprising business leaders, professionals, doctors, educators, and prominent Dawoodi Bohra representatives shared stories of their community's properties being wrongfully claimed by waqf authorities. They thanked Modi for the Act, describing it as a overdue reform.

A Muslim woman, NGO Khuran Sunnath Society and now a Muslim advocate have moved SC over the years seeking that they be kept out of the purview of "unfair" inheritance provisions in the Sharia law which they consider to be palpably discriminatory towards women, and sought that they be allowed to follow the secular Indian Succession Act.

Kerala-based Khuran Sunnath Society had moved a petition before SC a decade ago, and one Safiya PM in 2024, but the court is yet to decide on the issue. On Thursday, advocate Naushad KK's PIL sought similar relief, but with a difference. A bench of CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar heard Naushad and Safiya's counsel and agreed to tag the petitions together.

Karnataka HC raps state over protest against Waqf Act amid pending SC case

The Karnataka high court on Thursday criticised the state government for allowing a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act while the issue is still being heard by the Supreme Court. Justice M Nagaprasanna said such demonstrations were inappropriate and should not be permitted during ongoing legal proceedings. The court directed the government to ensure public roads remain unobstructed and stated that protests must only occur at designated places with proper permission. “If there is no permission, there is no protest,” the court said. The remarks came during a hearing on a petition by Rajesh A of Mangaluru, who challenged a police advisory that disrupted public transport due to the protest. The matter will next be heard on April 23.

The Court’s pointed remarks raise serious constitutional questions about the Act’s infringement on fundamental rights: KC Venugopal

The Supreme Court’s observations on the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 have brought into sharp focus the very apprehensions raised by the INDIA parties inside and outside Parliament. They have opened the space for a broader and necessary debate on the legitimate concerns surrounding this hastily enacted legislation — concerns that were neither adequately addressed during the JPC deliberations nor after the day-long discussion in Parliament. The Court’s pointed remarks raise serious constitutional questions about the Act’s infringement on fundamental rights and lay bare its divisive undercurrents. The fight to defend the idea of India — inclusive, plural, and just — will continue, in the courts and with the people," KC Venugopal wrote in a post on X.

This law will definitely not stand in the Supreme Court and will be rejected: Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai

On the Supreme Court's comments after hearing the petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai says, "This is a law brought in haste, and the objections raised by the opposition were not taken into account. They only listened to the ruling party. I hope that this law will definitely not stand in the Supreme Court and will be rejected."

We hope that the final verdict will be in our favour, halting the efforts to hamper our rights: Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq

On the Supreme Court's observations after hearing the petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq says, "We are happy that the court has stayed the appointment as of now and there will be no changes Waqf properties and the stakeholders... We hope that like one week's time was asked by the Union government, we will also be given 5 days' time. We hope that the final verdict will be in our favour, halting the efforts to hamper our rights... As of now, the stay has been ordered on two main points..."

'Waqf Act is unconstitutional, legal battle will continue': AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticised the Waqf (Amendment) Act, calling it “unconstitutional,” following the Supreme Court’s decision to grant the Centre additional time to respond to petitions challenging the law. Speaking to the press, Owaisi highlighted that he had opposed the amendments both during the Joint Parliamentary Committee deliberations and in Parliament. He welcomed the Court’s observation that the Central and State Waqf Councils would not be reconstituted for now, and that properties identified as Waqf by user or declaration would not be denotified.

The Supreme Court, noting Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s assurances, stated that the current status of Waqf properties must remain unchanged until the next hearing. The Court had earlier hinted at staying key provisions, such as allowing non-Muslims in Waqf Councils and granting extensive powers to Collectors in deciding Waqf disputes.

The bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, emphasised that the government could not rewrite history through these amendments. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that permitting government officials to decide on Waqf status was unconstitutional and undermined the faith of millions. The Act, signed into law by President Murmu on 5 April, has sparked widespread legal and political opposition for allegedly infringing on the rights of the Muslim community.

'Not reform, it is retaliation in the guise of reform': Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Waqf Act

On Waqf Act, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi says," This is not reform, it is retaliation in the guise of reform. It is retaliation meticulously, scripted, strategically timed and constitutionally questionable. The Waqf Act is not an exercise in efficiency, as it presents itself to be, but an exercise in erasure. Behind the bland governance lies the bold ambition of control...This is not about improving institutions, but infiltrating, controlling and closing them."

Grateful to the Supreme Court for its historic decision in our favour: AAP leader Amanatullah Khan

On Supreme Court hearing petitions against Waqf (Amendment) Act, AAP leader Amanatullah Khan says, "We were here at the Supreme Court as petitioners. We are grateful to the Supreme Court for its historic decision in our favour. The government itself said that no amendments will be made in 'Waqf by user', it will remain as it is."

Waqf Act case: SC directs Centre to file response within a week

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre to file its response within a week in petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan, recorded Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s assurance that no "waqf by deed" or "waqf by user" properties will be denotified until the next hearing on May 5. The Centre also assured the Court that no new appointments will be made to the Central Waqf Council and state boards in the meantime. The Court added that properties registered under the 1995 Act will remain protected.

'I am thankful to the Supreme Court for interim relief': Congress leader Imran Pratapgarhi

On the Supreme Court's observations after hearing the petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act, Congress leader Imran Pratapgarhi said, "I am thankful to the Supreme Court for the interim relief. The Court raised almost all the issues that we raised in the parliament. Today's ruling shows that this law has been made against the Constitution. It's a win for the Constitution and not any side. In the days to come, the Court will provide more relief and will stop the government's conspiracy to grab the land."

Waqf case: Centre assures SC it won't denotify 'waqf by deed' and 'waqf by user' till next hearing

'Emotions of crores of muslims are attached to Waqf': PDP supremo Mehbooba Mufti

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Supreme Court hearing petitions against Waqf (Amendment) Act, said, "When the decision of Babri Masjid came... there was no evidence. Similarly, when decision on Afzal Guru came, there was no evidence, but the Supreme Court said we are giving this decision for collective consciousness. So, I hope... emotions of crores of Muslims are attached to Waqf. There is evidence too... our case is strong; PDP has also filed a petition. We hope that the Supreme Court will give verdict against the Waqf amendments considering the same collective consciousness."

Waqf Amendment Act Hearing Live: Supreme Court dictates the order

The Supreme Court on took on record the statement of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that the Centre would file its response within seven days in the matter concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

The Solicitor General also assured the court that no appointments would be made to the Central Waqf Council or State Waqf Boards during this period.

The court further recorded the assurance that, until the next date of hearing, the status of Waqf properties—including those registered or declared as Waqf-by-user through notification—would remain unchanged. No such properties would be denotified, nor would their character be altered.

The bench directed the Centre to submit its reply within the stipulated time and adjourned the hearing.

Waqf Amendment Act Hearing Live: Centre to submit response in 7 days

During the hearing, the Solicitor General informed the court that the Union government would submit its response within seven days. He further assured the court that no appointments would be made to the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards under Sections 9 and 14 of the Waqf Act. Additionally, until the next date of hearing, no Waqf property—including those registered or declared as Waqf by user through notification—shall be de-notified, nor will there be any change in the designated Collector. The court took this statement on record.

Waqf Amendment Act Hearing Live: Supreme Court bars new appointments in central Waqf board council and boards

Waqf case: There should not be any appointment in central waqf council and boards in meantime, says SC after Centre seeks time.

CJI Khanna on Waqf Amendment Act

According to Bar and Bench, "We had said there were some positive things in the law. We have stated that there cannot be a complete stay. But we also don't want the situation to change which is prevailing now.. so that it affects.. like the 5 years following islam one. we are not staying that."

'Villages and villages are taken as waqf': SG Tushar Mehta in Supreme Court

"we received lakhs and lakhs of representation .. villages and Villages are taken as waqf. So much land is claimed as waqf. This court may hear it.. but.. this question needs assistance. A large number of people has questions on their property etc," the Bar and Bench quoted Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

Waqf Amendment Act Hearing Live: SC starts hearing pleas against constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

Bihar: NDA leaders slam Mamata for remark against Nitish, Chandrababu over Waqf Act

Leaders of NDA allies in Bihar slammed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for her remarks against Nitish Kumar for supporting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in both Houses of Parliament. Addressing a meeting with Muslim religious leaders in Kolkata on Wednesday, Banerjee hit out at key NDA allies Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu for keeping mum on the Waqf issue.

"Why are Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu silent on this issue? They are NDA partners and they remained silent to share some power," she said.

Reacting to Banerjee's remark, Union minister Giriraj Singh told reporters in Patna, "She wants to turn West Bengal into Bangladesh by making such comments. She has no right to make such comments against Nitish Kumar. She has failed to control violence in Murshidabad. Bihar will never become West Bengal."

JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said, "Nitish Kumar does not require advice from Banerjee. The situation in West Bengal is a matter of serious concern. It's out of control. Look at Bihar, there is complete peace in the state. In 20 years, there have been no riots in Bihar. She should be concerned about her own state."

The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned the Centre's move to remove the concept of "waqf by user" from the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, warning that such a change in the legislation could potentially erase the status of thousands of longstanding religious properties across India. However, the Centre opposed the court's directive and sought a hearing.

After Supreme Court query, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal defends inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards, cites past verdicts

After the Supreme Court questioned the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal defended the amendment, stating that the Waqf Board is a statutory and administrative entity, not a religious one, and thus, there is no constitutional bar on including members from other communities.

Speaking to ANI, Pal, who was also the Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, pointed out that the top court itself had said that the Waqf Board is not a religious body but a legal one.

"It's a valid question. But the thing is that the Supreme Court is asking this question today, while such orders have been passed in the past. The Supreme Court had said that the Waqf Board is not a religious body but a legal one that looks after the Waqf properties. Similarly, in another order, it was said that Waqf is a statutory and administrative body and not a religious one. Hence, it's not an interference in religious matters, and if it is an administrative body, it's completely fine to have both Muslim and non-Muslim members in it," Jagdambika Pal said.

'90 per cent of land is waqf by users': SP spokesperson Ameeque Jamei

“There is tension across the country, because of the way the Waqf (Amendment) bill was passed. Yesterday, the comments made by Chief Justice were a slap on central government’s face. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Ji also put the same points in Parliament. 90 per cent of land is Waqf by users, and those are graveyards, schools, colleges, Islamic schools, and mosques. BJP has an eye on those lands and wants to acquire them. UP CM even ordered the DM regarding this via video conferencing. We are hoping that we will get relief through the Supreme Court’s decision.”

'Do they want to turn Bihar into Bengal?': Union minister Giriraj Singh on Tejashwi Yadav's remark on Waqf Act

Hitting out at the RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for his remarks on the Waqf Amendment Act, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday said that people of the Bihar does not want their state to turn out like the West Bengal.

Singh was responding to the remarks made by Tejashwi Yadav, where the RJD leader stated that "Waqf Amendment Act would be thrown in the dustbin" in Bihar if RJD is voted to power in the upcoming Assembly polls.

"Tejashwi Yadav said that when he comes to power, he will not allow the Waqf Amendment Act to be implemented... Do they want to turn Bihar into Bengal? Are they reminding people of Bihar of the Murshidabad incident to turn this into Bengal? People of Bihar do not want to turn the state into Bengal under the leadership of RJD," Singh said.

Referring to the recent Murshidabad violence in West Bengal linked to protests over the Waqf Act, Singh accused the Trinamool Congress government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, of turning a blind eye to violence in the state.

SC might consider interim stay on parts of Waqf Act; hearing today

The Supreme Court is likely to pass an interim order on Thursday concerning the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, following petitions filed by multiple parties, both supporting and opposing the contentious legislation.

On Wednesday, following a two-hour-long hearing, the apex court indicated that it may stay certain key provisions of the Act, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, powers of Collectors on deciding disputes over Waqf properties and provisions on de-notifying properties declared as Waqf by courts.

The top court was about to dictate the order, but Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, and other counsels who were appearing for parties defending the Act said they should be heard before passing the interim order.

A three-judge bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan continues hearing the case at 2 pm today.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee took a jab at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of having contrasting stances towards Muslims domestically and in West Asian nations.

Addressing Muslim clerics, she said, "You (BJP) are against Muslims, but in Saudi Arabia, you meet Muslims... If you go to Dubai, UAE, whose hospitality do you take there... You say one thing in your country and another outside."

Mamata Banerjee appeals INDIA bloc to 'stay united and fight together' against the Waqf Amendment Act

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a veiled attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of being "against Muslims" but receiving their hospitality in West Asian countries.

"You are against Muslims, but in Saudi Arabia, you meet Muslims... If you go to Dubai, UAE, whose hospitality do you take there... You say one thing in your country and another outside," Banerjee said while addressing the gathering in a meeting with Muslim clerics.

She further appealed to the INDIA bloc to "stay united and fight together" against the Waqf Amendment Act, whose passage has witnessed strong objections and protests from the Opposition.

"I will appeal to the INDIA bloc: let us stay united and fight together courageously. This is not a personal matter; it will affect everyone. Today, it is happening against you. Tomorrow, it will be against someone else. Now they want to bring UCC," the West Bengal Chief Minister said.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday indicated that it may pass interim order to stay certain key provisions of the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, and also expressed concern over violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district.

'Waqf Bill violation of Article 26 of Constitution, federalism': Kerala CM Vijayan

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to derive political gains from the Waqf (Amendment) Act, calling the move unconstitutional and discriminatory.

While speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, CM Vijayan alleged that the RSS has openly identified minorities as internal enemies of the country -- a view he said was made evident in a recent article published in Organiser, the RSS mouthpiece.

CM Vijayan said, "The issue of the Munambam people is that they have been living there for a long time. It is difficult to move out of there. Their main issue is that they want to avoid moving out now. Since they have been living there for a long time, the government has given priority to how to protect their rights. A commission was appointed to study their problems and understand how to implement them, but there were some objections. Now the High Court has given its permission to go ahead. While appointing that commission, a request was made to the people there and those who are protesting were asked to wait until the report of the commission is received. They did not accept it."

Delighted that SC proposed to stay egregious aspects of Waqf Act: Mahua Moitra

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court's proposed orders in a PIL against the Waqf Amendment Act, and hoped there would be a follow-through when the court resumes the hearing the next day. The Supreme Court on Wednesday proposed to order that the properties declared as waqf, including "waqf by user," won't be de-notified, but the Centre opposed the suggestion and sought a hearing before such a directive.

The top court also asked the Centre if Muslims would be allowed to be part of Hindu religious trusts. It went on, "All Members of the waqf boards and the central waqf Council must be Muslims, except the ex-officio members."

Waqf hearing: When we sit on bench, we lose our religion, says CJI

The Supreme Court on Wednesday took strong note of an analogy drawn by the Centre in support of the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards and the argument that by that logic, a bench of Hindu judges should not be hearing pleas related to waqf. The bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan was questioning the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 that allow for the nomination of non-Muslim members to the Central Waqf Council and state waqf boards.

"Are you suggesting that minorities, including Muslims, should also be included in boards managing Hindu religious institutions? Please state that openly," the CJI said.

Representing the Centre in the matter, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the provisions, emphasising that the inclusion of non-Muslim members is limited and does not affect the predominantly Muslim composition of these bodies.

During a hearing Wednesday on 150 petitions challenging the validity of the changes in Waqf Act, Supreme Court said some provisions were "salutary" but a few others needed "clarification".

SC had decided to pass an interim order restraining scrutiny of ownership of properties declared as 'waqf by user' and restricting nomination of non-Muslims to maximum two in Central Waqf Council and Auqaf Boards, when SG Tushar Mehta and advocate Rakesh Dwivedi persuaded it to hear them on these two issues Thursday. SC said, "You can't rewrite the past. Properties which are... hundreds of years old can't be reopened." Over non-Muslims in the council and boards, SC said, "Will govt enact a law allowing non-Hindus and Muslims to be members of Hindu religious endowment boards or institutions?"

F or the petitioners, senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Rajeev Dhavan, A M Singhvi, C U Singh, P Wilson, Sanjay Hegde, Huzefa Ahmadi and M R Shamshad said the entire amendments to waqf Act was a concerted attempt by govt to usurp waqf functions, which squarely fell within Article 26 of the Constitution guaranteeing freedom to every religious denomination to manage their affairs. They said waqf was purely a religious affair of the followers of Islam.

When SG Mehta countered the charge by saying it was for better management of waqf properties, which had been misused and mismanaged for years, and that most changes were akin to those in the 1995 Act, the bench of CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan took exception to the amendment requiring proof of ‘waqf by user’.

Jagdambika Pal calls for President's Rule in West Bengal over Waqf protests

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Jagdambika Pal on Wednesday sharply criticised West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, pointing to the recent unrest in Murshidabad district linked to the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Pal alleged that the state's law and order situation had deteriorated significantly and called for the imposition of President's Rule in West Bengal.

“There has been violence in Murshidabad, but as the chief minister, she has failed to address the issue. She has not taken any action against the protestors. Instead, she met Muslim religious leaders to oppose a law that has already been passed by both Houses of Parliament and approved by the President of India,” Pal said.

He accused the West Bengal chief minister of appeasement politics aimed at consolidating Muslim votes ahead of the upcoming elections.

“She is openly defying a central law and provoking communities. This is not an allegation; it’s the truth. The police administration is inactive, and even they are coming under attack. Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas are being issued Aadhaar cards and added to voter lists. She is risking the state’s law and order for vote-bank politics,” he told IANS.

'Yogi biggest Bhogi': Mamata attacks UP CM for remarks on Waqf protests

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday launched a sharp counterattack on Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath over his remarks on the recent communal violence in Murshidabad, reminding him of the Maha Kumbh stampede in Prayagraj that had claimed over 30 lives. Read full story

Here's the list of some of the disputes over Waqf property claims

Various states have seen disputes over Waqf property claims, leading to legal battles and community concerns. As of data from September 2024, across 25 States/ UTs Waqf Boards, a total of 5973 government properties have been declared as Waqf properties. Some examples of the same:

• Tamil Nadu: A farmer in Thiruchenthurai village was unable to sell his land due to the Waqf Board’s claim over the entire village. This unexpected requirement prevented him from selling his land to repay a loan for his daughter's wedding.
• Govindpur Village, Bihar: In August 2024, The Bihar Sunni Waqf Board’s claim over an entire village in August 2024 affected seven families, leading to a case in the Patna high court. The case is sub-judice.
• Kerala: In September 2024, around 600 Christian families in Ernakulam district are contesting the Waqf Board’s claim over their ancestral land. They have appealed to the Joint Parliamentary Committee.
• Karnataka: In 2024, Farmers protested after the Waqf Board designated 15,000 acres in Vijayapura as Waqf land. Disputes also arose in Ballari, Chitradurga, Yadgir, and Dharwad. The government, however, assured that no evictions would take place.
• Uttar Pradesh: Complaints have been raised against alleged corruption and mismanagement by the State Waqf Board.

What's Waqf and it's significance in Islam?

The concept of ‘Waqf’ is rooted in Islamic laws and traditions. It refers to an endowment made by a Muslim for charitable or religious purposes, such as building mosques, schools, hospitals, or other public institutions.

Another defining feature of a Waqf is that it's inalienable - which means it cannot be sold, gifted, inherited or encumbered. Therefore, once a property is divested from the waqif, i.e., the creator of a waqf, it vests in God and as per Islamic belief since God is ever lasting, so is the ‘waqf property’.

Properties declared waqf including 'waqf by user' won't be denotified, SC proposes

The Supreme Court on Wednesday proposed to order that the properties declared as waqf including "waqf by user" won't be de-notified but the Centre opposed the suggestion and sought a hearing before such a directive. The top court also asked the Centre if Muslims would be allowed to be part of Hindu religious trusts.

"The properties declared by courts as waqfs should not be de-notified as waqfs, whether they are by waqf-by-user or waqf by deed, while the court is hearing the challenge to the Waqf Amendment Act 2025," the bench said.

The top court went on, "All Members of the waqf boards and central waqf Council must be Muslims, except the ex-officio members." (PTI)

'The bench issued four points, they said that notice will be issued,' says advocate Mujibur Rehman

"The bench issued four points, they said that notice will be issued, they said that in Acts made by the Parliament, normally there is no stay given, but since this is an exceptional case, they said they will give interim relief. Court said that that they are dictating the interim order, the first relief was it was said that barring the ex-officio, all the members would be Muslims, if the collector goes for survey, he can't change the nature, and before going, he had to file application in court. Third was be it any property, be it Waqf by user or registered, the government will not be denotifying till we are hearing the matter. Tushar Mehta pleaded for time," advocate Mujibur Rehman tells PTI on SC hearing in Waqf (Amendment) Act case.

"Now the hearing will be done at 2 pm tomorrow. The court has understood the whole matter, sensitivity, and how the constitution was violated," he adds.

CM Mamata calls BJP 'anti-Muslim', says it 'played trick' to pass Waqf law

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday doubled down on her stance against the new Waqf law as she vehemently criticised the BJP-led central government, accusing it of "playing a trick" in passing the Waqf law. Read full story

Would Muslims be part of Hindu trusts? SC asks Centre

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre whether Muslims would be allowed to be part of Hindu religious trusts during the hearing of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

"How will you register such waqfs by user? What documents will they have? It will lead to undoing something. Yes, there is some misuse. But there are genuine ones also. I have gone through privy council judgments also. Waqf by user is recognised. If you undo it then it will be a problem. Legislature cannot declare a judgment, order or decree as void. You can only take the basis," the bench said.

Mehta submitted there was a large section of Muslims who did not want to be governed by Waqf act.

The bench then asked Mehta, "Are you saying that from now on you will allow Muslims to be part of the Hindu endowment boards. Say it openly."

The apex court said when a public trust was declared to be a waqf 100 or 200 years ago, it couldn't suddenly be taken over by the waqf board and declared otherwise.

"You cannot rewrite the past," the bench said, according to news agency PTI.

Prominent MP petitioners in the plea against new Waqf law

A total of 72 petitions have been filed challenging the validity of the Act. Petitioners include AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, the DMK, and Congress MPs Imran Pratapgarhi and Mohammad Jawed.

Several fresh pleas were also filed in the top court subsequently, including the ones filed by TMC MP Mahua Moitra, Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Zia-ur-Rahman Barq.

The YSRCP-led by former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Communist Party of India (CPI), Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief and actor-turned-politician Vijay have also moved the top court on the issue.

Advocate Hari Shankar Jain and one Mani Munjal have also filed a separate petition challenging the constitutional validity of several provisions of the law on the ground that they violate fundamental rights of non-Muslims. The Centre also filed a caveat in the Supreme Court on April 8, requesting to be heard before any orders are issued.

On Murshidabad violence during Waqf protest, Supreme Court said it has 'emerged as a new mode of pressure tactics'

During the hearing on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna-led bench said it is very disturbed by the violence taking place in protests against the new law.

"Once the Supreme Court is seized of the matter, this should not happen," CJI Khanna said. SG said such violence has emerged as a new mode of pressure tactics.

Why is "Waqf by user" considered controversial?

• Ownership disputes: It can lead to conflicts over land ownership, especially if government records or private parties don’t recognise the waqf status.
• Legal ambiguity: Critics argue that "waqf by user" lacks legal safeguards and may be misused.
• Political debates: It often becomes a flashpoint in communal and political discussions about land rights and religious freedom.

SC to continue detailed hearing on Waqf (Amendment) act on Thursday

After a 2-hour-long hearing, when the Supreme Court was about to dictate an interim order relating to Waqf by user and nominations to Central Waqf Council & state Aukaf Boards, solicitor general Tushar Mehta and senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi insisted on a detailed hearing on the issue.

What is the composition of Waqf board under new law?

• The Bill mandates inclusion of one member each from Bohra and Aghakhani communities in State/UT Waqf Boards, if they have functional Auqaf.
• Also, the Board will have representation from Muslims belonging to backward classes apart from Shia and Sunni members.
• Includes two or more elected members from municipalities or Panchayats, strengthening local governance in waqf affairs.
• The Board/(Central Waqf Council) CWC will have two non-Muslim members excluding the ex-officio members.

What is Waqf by user?

The phrase "Waqf by user" refers to land or property that has been treated as waqf over time through continuous public or religious use, even if no formal waqf deed exists. If a piece of land has been used as a mosque, graveyard, or for other religious purposes for a long time — and that use has been uninterrupted and publicly acknowledged — it may be recognised as waqf property "by user".

Will you allow Muslims to be part of Hindu religious trusts, SC asks Centre

A bench of CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan said several provisions of the Waqf Amendment Act are salutary but few, including the exapanse and ambit of 'waqf by user' and the non-Mulsim members' strength in Waqf Council, need clarification.