New Delhi, May 5 — The Supreme Court of India is set to hear five petitions today challenging the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The move comes amid growing nationwide debate over the new law, which has drawn criticism from several political and religious groups.
On April 17, the apex court ruled that only five selected petitions would be taken up for hearing, stating it could not accommodate “hundreds” of similar filings. The court also directed the Centre to submit its response within a week. During the proceedings, the Union government assured the bench that properties declared as ‘waqf by user’ or ‘waqf by deed’ would not be denotified until further notice.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha following an intense 13-hour debate, securing 288 votes in favour and 232 against. It was subsequently approved by the Rajya Sabha with 128 members supporting the bill and 95 opposing it. The legislation received presidential assent on April 6 and officially came into force on April 8, 2025.
A total of 72 petitions have been filed against the amended law, including those by AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and Anwar Basha, former chairman of the Karnataka State Board of Auqaf, among others.
The outcome of today’s hearing is expected to significantly influence the future course of the legislation and its implementation.
