Supreme Court to Hear Petitions Challenging Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 Today at 2 PM

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The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a series of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 today at 2 PM. The matter will be heard by the Chief Justice’s bench and has drawn attention from various political parties, organisations, and legal experts across the country.

Multiple Petitions Filed

Several petitions have been filed challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, which recently came into force after receiving Presidential assent on April 5. The Act was officially enforced from April 8, following a 12-hour-long debate in the Parliament. It was passed by the Lok Sabha with a margin of 288 to 232 and later by the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favour and 95 against.

The amendments are being challenged by a broad spectrum of petitioners, including political leaders, religious bodies, civil rights groups, and non-governmental organisations. Among those who have moved the apex court are:

  • All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi
  • Congress MPs Mohammad Jawed and Imran Pratapgarhi
  • AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan
  • NPP MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan
  • Azad Samaj Party President Chandra Shekhar Azad
  • Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq
  • Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani
  • Samastha Kerala Jamiatul Ulema
  • Indian Union Muslim League
  • Social Democratic Party of India
  • NGO Association for Protection of Civil Rights

Additionally, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Communist Party of India (CPI), and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by actor-turned-politician Vijay have also approached the court opposing the law.

Arguments from Petitioners

The petitioners argue that the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 violates fundamental constitutional rights and specifically targets the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions. Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, who was part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee that reviewed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, has submitted that the Act imposes unfair restrictions on the Muslim community that are not applied to other religious institutions.

The petitioners have demanded an interim stay on the implementation of the law, claiming that it infringes upon the freedom of religion and equality guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.

Advocate Pradeep Yadav, appearing for petitioners Tayyab Ahmed Sulemani and Anjum Qadri, confirmed that their writ petitions are listed for hearing today and have requested that the Act be put on hold pending final judgment.

Defence of the Act

On the other side, Hindu Sena President Vishnu Gupta and Satish Kumar Aggarwal of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha have submitted intervention applications in support of the amended law. Advocate Barun Kumar Sinha, representing Gupta, stated that the amendments were thoroughly reviewed by the Government of India and are fully aligned with constitutional principles.

Sinha argued that the amended law was introduced to correct “draconian provisions” in the original Waqf Act, 1995, and that no citizen’s fundamental rights have been violated. He also challenged the locus standi of some petitioners, alleging that several of them represent political parties that are using the issue for political mileage.

Background and Significance

The Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 has sparked a nationwide debate. Waqf properties, which are endowments made by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes, have long been managed under the Waqf Act of 1995. Critics of the new amendments argue that the 2025 version centralises control, restricts local decision-making, and could lead to misuse of community assets.

Supporters of the law claim it enhances transparency, accountability, and governance, ensuring that Waqf properties are protected from encroachment and mismanagement.

What to Expect

As the Supreme Court takes up this sensitive matter, all eyes will be on the proceedings scheduled for 2 PM today. The outcome could have a significant impact on the future governance of Waqf properties and religious rights in India.

The hearing may also influence how similar religious endowments from other communities are treated in future legislation. A ruling either way is expected to set an important precedent.

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