Today, On 15th May, The Supreme Court will hear interim relief pleas challenging the Waqf Amendment Act on May 20. The Centre’s earlier assurance to not implement the Act’s provisions will remain in effect until then.
The AIMPLB has accused the Centre of misleading the Supreme Court with a false affidavit regarding the Waqf properties. They challenge the government’s claim of a 116% increase post-2013, asserting inaccuracies in the data presented. The Board demands accountability from the officer responsible for the affidavit amid ongoing legal proceedings concerning the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025.
The Centre informed the Supreme Court that Muslims will continue to hold an “overwhelming majority” in waqf bodies under the amended Waqf Act. The government defended the inclusion of non-Muslims, emphasizing its aim to uphold secular functions. The Centre asserted the constitutional lawfulness of the amendments and highlighted concerns about previous waqf law abuses.
The central government opposed any stay on the new Waqf laws during a Supreme Court hearing, asserting the laws’ constitutional validity. The government argued that courts cannot halt statutory provisions. Petitioners, challenging the laws’ constitutionality, claim they violate fundamental rights and interfere with the Muslim community’s autonomy in managing Waqf affairs.
The Calcutta High Court permitted BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari to visit Murshidabad, following recent violence related to the Waqf Act, but mandated he inform the local Superintendent of Police beforehand. The Court forbade any rallies or public speeches during the visit to maintain peace, amid opposition from the West Bengal government.
The Supreme Court Bar Association condemned BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s remarks about the judiciary and Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, labeling them defamatory and amounting to criminal contempt. The SCBA urged the Attorney General to initiate contempt proceedings against Dubey, emphasizing the need to uphold the dignity of the Supreme Court.