SC To Hear Case On Interim Relief Pleas Challenging Waqf Amendment Act On May 20

The Supreme Court on Thursday heard a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Amendment Act and said it will consider the question of interim relief on May 20. 

The Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih said it will consider on May 20 whether an interim order is required on three issues. These include the issues of waqf by the user, nomination of non-Muslims to Waqf Council and Boards, and identification of government land under waqf. 

The top court also said that in the meanwhile, the assurance given by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that the Central government would not implement the provisions of the Act, would continue. 

The CJI-led bench asked senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for those challenging the validity of the law, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, to file their written notes by Monday.

ALSO READ | SC Raps MP Minister Vijay Shah For Calling Colonel Sofia Qureshi 'Sister Of Terrorists'

Before adjourning the matter, the bench said it would grant two hours to each side. 

The Waqf (Amendment) Act was passed in the Lok Sabha on April 3 and was cleared by Rajya Sabha on April 4 while getting the Presidential assent on April 5. 

The amendment in the 1995 legislation seeks to address the regulation of Waqf properties, dedicated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. 

Following the passage of the law, a batch of petitions were filed before the apex court challenging its validity. Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen MP Asaduddin Owaisi were among the petitioners. 

The pleas contended that the amendments amounted to discrimination against Muslims. The petitioners argued that the law selectively targets Muslim religious endowments and interferes with the community's constitutionally protected right to manage its own religious affairs. 

india