Centre Seeks Supreme Court Hearing as Waqf Act 2025 Sparks Legal Firestorm

New Delhi: The Centre has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, requesting to be heard before any orders are passed on petitions challenging the validity of the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The law, passed after intense debate during the Budget Session, officially came into force on Tuesday, April 8, following President Droupadi Murmu’s assent.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, cleared by Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, and earlier by Lok Sabha with 288 votes in support and 232 against, has faced strong resistance from opposition parties, calling it "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional". The government, however, hailed it as a "historic reform" to benefit the minority community.

In addition, the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025 was also approved, repealing the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923.

Several petitions—over 10 according to PTI—have been filed in the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Act. These include submissions by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, and civil rights NGO APCR.

Petitioners argue that the Act imposes arbitrary restrictions on Waqf properties, undermines religious autonomy, and discriminates against Muslims—alleging violations of Articles 14, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 300-A of the Constitution.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has also moved the apex court, with Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and leader Fayaz Ahmed filing a plea.

According to legal sources, the matter may be listed for hearing on April 15, though it’s not yet reflected on the official Supreme Court website.