Supreme Court ruling on Waqf: After President Droupadi Murmu signed the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 into law on April 5, the Center formally notified the public last month.
Following three days of proceedings that included discussions of religion, philosophy, and the constitution, the Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its decision in the appeal to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Chief Justice BR Gavai responded to senior attorney Kapil Sibal’s argument that “waqf is a dedication to God for afterlife” during the hearing by saying, “In Hindus, there’s a concept of moksha.” Waqf is an act of generosity to God, in contrast to other religions.
In his opinion, Justice Augustine George Masih said that “we all try to get to heaven” and that Christianity has comparable spiritual goals.
The comments were made when the petitioners disputed the Center’s assertion—made by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta—that waqf is only a type of charity and not a fundamental aspect of Islam.
“All religions are based on the principle of charity. Christians, Sikhs, and Hindus all share comparable customs, including daan,” Mehta stated on Wednesday.
Senior attorney Rajeev Dhavan countered this by pointing to Vedic traditions that place a focus on the worship of natural elements to support his claim that temples are not necessary even within Hinduism.
Sibal also took issue with clauses that let non-Muslims to serve on waqf boards, comparing them to the way Hindu religious institutions are run. “On a waqf board, even one non-Muslim is sufficient,” he stated.
SC said the Waqf Act ruling is still pending and would be given on Friday.
Supreme Court Ruling on Waqf: A Critical Step in Defining Religious Charities in India
Chief Justice Gavai and Justice Masih made up the bench, which adjourned the hearing and stated that the order will be issued on Friday.
The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs filed a 1,332-page preliminary affidavit in support of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on April 25.
As a “law having presumption of constitutionality passed by Parliament,” the Center requested the Supreme Court to refrain from imposing any “blanket stay” on the legislation’s execution.
After President Droupadi Murmu signed the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 into law on April 5, the federal government formally notified the public last month.
Both Houses of Parliament voted on the bill in a lopsided manner. 232 members of the Lok Sabha voted against the measure, while 288 members supported it. 95 members of the Rajya Sabha voted against the bill, while 128 members supported it.
For more updates and other exciting news, visit our website now!
