Overview

• A bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih reserved the interim order on May 22 after three days of arguments.
• The ruling will address whether declared waqf properties can be de-notified, the eligibility of non-Muslims on Waqf bodies, and the clause that halts waqf status during a collector’s land inquiry.
• The Union government has opposed a stay, calling waqf a secular, non-essential practice and invoking the presumption of constitutionality in a detailed 1,332-page affidavit.
• Earlier in the case, the Centre assured the Court it would not de-notify existing waqf or appoint non-Muslims to Waqf Boards or the Central Waqf Council while proceedings continue.
• In August, the bench declined to pause the UMEED registration directive pending judgment, indicating the issue would be considered in the interim order.