BREAKING: Supreme Court to hear 15 pleas against Waqf Act on April 16

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for April 16 to address multiple petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act. To date, 15 petitions have been filed by various individuals and organizations, including political figures and civil rights groups.

Petitioners argue that the amendments infringe upon the rights of religious denominations to manage their own affairs, as protected under Article 26 of the Constitution. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, which received presidential assent on April 5, has been a subject of intense debate and opposition, leading to these legal challenges.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has elicited diverse reactions from India's political spectrum. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, including the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and Shiv Sena, support the bill, asserting it will enhance transparency in Waqf Board operations.

JD(U) leader and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized that the bill is not anti-Muslim but aims to reform and introduce transparency in the system. Similarly, TDP representatives believe the bill will benefit underprivileged Muslims and women by bringing clarity to Waqf property management.

Conversely, opposition parties and several Muslim organizations have voiced strong objections. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and political figures like Asaduddin Owaisi argue that the bill infringes upon the constitutional rights of Muslims and could lead to the seizure of significant religious properties.

The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) also opposes the bill, viewing it as an infringement on minority rights. Additionally, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has criticized the government's involvement in religious matters, deeming it excessive and unconstitutional.

The bill's proposal to include non-Muslims and Muslim women in Waqf Boards has intensified the debate, with critics alleging it undermines the autonomy of Muslim institutions. Amid these polarized views, the bill has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny.

Earlier today, the Central government filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, requesting that it be heard before any interim relief is granted on a growing number of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. 

The Act, which has stirred sharp political and legal debate, was signed into law by the President on April 5 and subsequently notified by the government for public dissemination.

The move comes days after the legislation cleared both Houses of Parliament during the recently concluded Budget Session. Passed in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, the Bill later cleared the Rajya Sabha on Friday after a lengthy 13-hour debate, with 128 members voting in support and 95 opposing.

While the government has touted the legislation as a “historic reform” intended to bring transparency and accountability to Waqf property management, opposition parties have criticized the law as “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.” They have particularly taken issue with provisions that allow non-Muslims and women to be appointed to Waqf Boards and with clauses seen as facilitating government control over religious endowments.