Waqf Amendment Act: Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Plea for Stay

The Supreme Court reserved its verdict after extensive hearings on petitions challenging amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995.

Petitioners cited violations of Articles 14, 25, and 26, arguing that the removal of 'waqf by user' and inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards infringe on the Muslim community’s religious autonomy.

The Centre defended the 2025 amendment, stating it curbs misuse of waqf claims over private and public lands. Key provisions debated included Section 3C and the five-year practice rule for creating a waqf.

A reference to a nine-judge Bench was urged to determine if waqf constitutes an “essential religious practice” under Article 25.