Supreme Court Grants Major Relief on Waqf Act

Supreme Court Grants Major Relief on Waqf Act
Existing waqf properties, whether registered or declared, shall not be de-notified until the next hearing: Supreme Court

EC News Desk
17 April 2025

In a significant interim order, the Supreme Court of India has provided relief regarding the Waqf Act 2025. The Court made it clear that until further orders, the status of waqf properties will remain unchanged. In essence, the existing situation will be maintained without any alterations.

Key Highlights:

Ban on New Appointments:
The Court has imposed a temporary stay on all new appointments under the Waqf Act. This move prevents any further administrative changes until the matter is fully heard.

Only Five Petitioners Allowed:
The Chief Justice of India directed that only five petitioners will be allowed to present their arguments during the next hearing. “We will not decide who appears — you all should mutually decide among yourselves,” the Chief Justice said.

Seven-Day Deadline for the Central Government:
The Supreme Court granted the Central Government seven days to file its reply on the matter. The Court is seeking a formal explanation and clarification from the Centre on the Waqf Act 2025.

Government Assurance in Court:
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central Government, assured the bench that no new appointments would be made and no changes to the existing status of waqf properties would occur until the next hearing.

Deadline for Other Respondents:
While the Central Government has been given 7 days, other respondents must file their responses within five days of receiving the notice.

This interim order was passed during the hearing of several petitions challenging the constitutionality and provisions of the newly introduced Waqf Act 2025. The Supreme Court emphasized that all concerned parties must clearly state their objections so that the issue can be resolved efficiently and without delay.

As it stands, the Court has ensured that no major changes will be made concerning waqf properties until it thoroughly examines the Act and hears all sides. The matter is expected to evolve in the coming days based on the government’s reply and subsequent hearings.