GUWAHATI: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a series of petitions challenging the latest amendments to the Waqf Act on April 16. The matter will be taken up by a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan.
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A total of ten petitions have been listed for the hearing, with the lead petition filed by AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi. In his plea, Owaisi argued that the amended law is "manifestly arbitrary," promotes religious discrimination, contravenes the Shariat Act, and undermines the Muslim community's right to manage its own religious affairs and institutions.
On Tuesday, the Central government filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, requesting that it be heard before any interim orders are issued in the matter. The caveat aims to ensure that the Centre has an opportunity to present its stance before the court proceeds with any decision on the writ petitions.
Among the petitioners challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Act are AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, RJD MP Manoj Jha, the religious organization Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, and the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), among others.
The case is expected to draw significant attention due to its implications for religious autonomy, minority rights, and the governance of Waqf properties across India.
