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Supreme Court Defers Waqf Act Hearing to May 15, Transfers Case to Justice Gavai's Bench

Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna declined to issue interim orders, citing the need for detailed arguments on disputed data and constitutional questions.

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The petitioners issued the response ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on the Waqf Act's validity.

Overview

  • The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 to May 15, transferring the case to a bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai as Chief Justice Khanna prepares for retirement on May 13.
  • CJI Khanna emphasized the need for a thorough review of disputed data on waqf property registrations and other constitutional issues raised by the petitioners and the Centre.
  • The Centre assured the court that it would maintain the status quo on waqf property denotifications and appointments to waqf boards and councils until the next hearing.
  • Petitioners have challenged the Act’s abolition of 'waqf by user' and inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards, alleging it infringes on minority rights and constitutional protections.
  • The Centre defended the Act as necessary for transparency and curbing misuse of waqf laws, but petitioners dispute the government's claim of a 116% increase in waqf land since 2013.