Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Waqf (Amendment) Act on April 16; Centre Files Caveat

The Supreme Court of India will hear a series of petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on April 16, with the matter listed before a bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna. The development comes amid growing protests and legal scrutiny over the controversial amendments, which many allege infringe upon the religious autonomy and property rights of the Muslim community.

Centre Steps In with Caveat

The Central government has filed a caveat, requesting that no interim orders be passed without first hearing the government’s side. This signals the seriousness with which the Centre intends to defend the legislation, which officially came into force on April 8, 2025, as per a notification from the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of Section 1 of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 (14 of 2025)… the 8th day of April, 2025 shall be the commencement date,” the official gazette stated.

Why the Law is Being Challenged

Over 10 petitions, including those from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, and several politicians, argue that the new amendments are unconstitutional, citing:

• Violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality)
• Infringement of Article 300A (Right to Property)
• Undermining of religious rights by placing state control over Waqf assets

Petitioners argue that the Act places “arbitrary curbs” on the dedication and management of Waqf properties, disproportionately targeting Muslim endowments in a way not applied to other religious institutions or trusts.

“This Act opens the door for the state to encroach upon religious freedoms, by expanding its authority over assets historically managed by the community itself,” said one petitioner.

The petitions also highlight that the move goes against past Supreme Court rulings, which have protected religious institutions from undue secular interference.

Protests Break Out in Manipur and Beyond

On April 8, protests erupted in Thoubal, Manipur, where community members condemned the Act as an attempt to dilute minority rights and religious freedom. Similar expressions of dissent are expected in other parts of the country in the run-up to the Supreme Court hearing.

Kaizer Insight: The Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 has set the stage for a constitutional clash over religious rights, minority autonomy, and state oversight. As the apex court prepares to deliberate, this case could shape the future of religious endowment governance in India.