The Kerala High Court ruled that no court can force a beggar to pay maintenance to his wife if she admits he is a beggar. It emphasized that it is the state’s duty to protect destitute wives and prevent begging.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board plans to file a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against the government’s launch of the Waqf Umeed Portal, deeming it illegal as the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 is under judicial review. They argue it disrespects court authority and disrupts religious property management.
The Centre informed the Supreme Court that Waqf, while an Islamic concept, is not an essential religious practice. In defending the Waqf Amendment Act against legal challenges, Solicitor General Mehta emphasized the need for public property protection and clarified that Waqf serves charitable purposes, involving secular functions and consultation with various Muslim bodies.
The Supreme Court heard petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, led by advocates for petitioners claiming it unfairly targets Muslims with stringent property registration rules not imposed on other religions. Key concerns include potential loss of waqf status, implications for community rights, and calls for interim relief amidst government’s defense of the law.
The Supreme Court has ruled no new petitions will be accepted regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The Sree Narayana Manava Dharmam Trust opposes the Act, claiming it jeopardizes the Muslim community’s existence. The Trust argues that it undermines Islamic law, imposes a new legal framework, and threatens the community’s economic foundation.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized that the Waqf Amendment Act is meant to rectify irregularities in Waqf property management, not harm the Muslim community. He clarified that the central government does not unjustly seize properties and that the amendment respects tribal land protections. Ongoing Supreme Court hearings address various legal challenges to the Act.
Intervention applications supporting the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, were filed in the Supreme Court, arguing that the amendments align with the Constitution of India and do not infringe on Muslim rights. Various individuals and organizations have also challenged the Act, claiming it discriminates against the Muslim community and allows excessive government interference.