Overview

• The Supreme Court has recorded the Centre's assurance that no waqf properties, including waqf-by-user, will be de-notified and no new appointments will be made to waqf councils or boards until May 5, 2025.
• The court directed the Union government to file its responses to the petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, within seven days, with petitioners given five days to submit rejoinders.
• Petitioners argue that the Act undermines minority rights and religious autonomy, citing provisions like abolishing waqf-by-user and including non-Muslims in waqf governance.
• The government defends the Act as a reform to address alleged mismanagement of waqf properties, claiming it is based on extensive public feedback and aims to ensure transparency.
• The Supreme Court consolidated over 100 petitions into five lead cases for streamlined proceedings, with a focus on constitutional validity and potential impacts on religious freedoms.