Centre seeks urgent hearing in SC before ruling on pleas against Waqf Act

NEW DELHI: The Centre submitted a caveat in the Supreme Court on Tuesday, requesting to be heard before any ruling on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A caveat filing ensures that courts cannot pass orders without hearing the party that filed it.
Multiple petitions, exceeding 10 in number, have been filed in the Supreme Court contesting the newly enacted legislation. The petitioners include politicians like AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.
These petitions are expected to be heard before a court bench on April 15, although this information is not yet visible on the Supreme Court's official website, according to PTI citing sources.
On April 7, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna's bench assured senior counsel Kapil Sibal, who represents Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, that they would consider scheduling the petitions for hearing.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, received presidential approval from Droupadi Murmu on April 5, following its passage through Parliament with intense discussions in both houses.
The Rajya Sabha passed the bill on Friday morning with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, after almost 17 hours of debate. The Lok Sabha had approved the legislation earlier in the week following a 13-hour-long discussion.
The Act seeks to overhaul the management of waqf properties by promoting transparency and ensuring representation from various Muslim sects within waqf boards.It also contains measures to protect heritage sites, strengthen social welfare initiatives, and boost economic inclusion for marginalized communities, including Muslim widows and divorcees.