Overview

• The Supreme Court ordered an interim status quo on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, ensuring no new appointments to Waqf Boards or Councils and no denotification of Waqf properties, including 'Waqf by user,' until May 5.
• The Centre has been directed to file its preliminary response to the petitions challenging the Act within seven days, with petitioners given five days for rejoinders.
• The court consolidated over 70 petitions into five lead cases to streamline the legal review process and renamed the matter as 'In Re: Waqf Amendment Act.'
• Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that any appointments made by state governments during this period would be void, maintaining the existing governance framework.
• Critics of the Act argue it infringes on religious autonomy, while the government defends it as a measure to enhance transparency and curb misuse of Waqf assets.