SC to hear Waqf Act challenge pleas April 16

New Delhi

A three-judge Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna will hear 10 petitions on April 16 challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Petitioners include AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha, and various organisations like the AIMPLB and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.

The Centre has already filed a caveat, requesting that no order be passed without hearing its side. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 received presidential assent on April 5 after passing both houses of Parliament despite stiff opposition. Many political and religious groups argue that the law is unconstitutional and targets Muslim religious institutions.

Petitions argue that the Act violates key constitutional rights including Articles 14, 15, 25, and 26, which ensure equality and religious freedom. Owaisi's plea says the law reduces protections for Waqf properties while retaining them for Hindu, Jain, and Sikh endowments, creating religious discrimination.

The DMK, in its petition, claimed the law affects nearly 50 lakh Muslims in Tamil Nadu and over 20 crore across India. The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind called it an attack on constitutional rights and religious freedom, while other petitions say the Act undermines the autonomy of Muslim institutions.

The Supreme Court had earlier assured senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, that it would consider listing the matter.