The Supreme Court of India has given the central government a week to respond to petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, following a second day of hearings. The government assured the court that the controversial provisions of the law will not be implemented for the time being, thereby maintaining the status quo. The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, recorded this statement and scheduled the next hearing for May 5.
During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the government’s position, asserting there was no justification for a stay on the law enacted by Parliament after thorough public consultation. He emphasized the need to consider the general public’s interests, particularly regarding land claims by the Waqf Board in multiple villages, cautioning that an immediate stay could be a severe measure.
Concerns were raised about properties under the Waqf Act of 1995, with Mehta affirming that these issues are addressed in the amendment. Chief Justice Khanna suggested that no new appointments be made to the Waqf Board or Council to maintain stability while the court examines the matter. The court may consider an interim stay on certain contentious provisions, especially in light of ongoing violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
