SC to hear Waqf Act pleas for interim relief on May 20

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on May 20 will take up pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, for the limited purpose of interim relief.

A division bench, comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, will consider whether interim relief of stay is required on three issues -- Waqf by user, nomination of non-Muslims to the Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards and identification of government land under Waqf.

"We will grant two hours to each side," the CJI verbally said before adjourning the matter to May 20.


In its response filed last month, the Centre had told the SC that the recently passed Waqf Act "by confining itself to non-essential practices, steers well clear of infringing upon the religious freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution."

An affidavit was filed by the MHA in response to petitions challenging the Waqf Act. The Centre has submitted that the amendments were brought about after a comprehensive study conducted by a parliamentary panel. The affidavit adds a "deliberate, purposeful and intentionally misleading narrative is built very mischievously, giving the impression that those Waqfs, including 'Waqf by user', which do not have documents to support their claims, will be affected. This is not only untrue and false but purposefully and deliberately misleading the court".