- News
- India News
- Waqf Amendment Act Hearing Live Updates: 'Retaliation in guise of reform', Congress attacks Centre over Waqf law
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 18, 2025, 04:17:04 IST
Comments
Share
Waqf Amendment Act Hearing Live Updates: 'Retaliation in guise of reform', Congress attacks Centre over Waqf law
Waqf Amendment Act Hearing Live Updates: The Supreme Court on Thursday began hearing a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the legislation, stating that the government was answerable to the people and had received “lakhs and lakhs of representations” raising concerns over large stretches of land—including entire villages—being declared as Waqf properties.
“This is not a matter that can be dealt with lightly,” Mehta told the bench, adding that staying the operation of the Act would be a “harsh step.” He requested one week’s time to submit a preliminary reply along with supporting documents.
The bench observed that it had earlier noted there were some positive aspects in the amended law and reiterated that a complete stay on the legislation was not warranted. At the same time, the court emphasized that it did not want the prevailing situation on the ground to be altered while the matter was under judicial consideration.
“We have to ensure that the situation as it exists now is not disturbed,” the bench remarked, stressing the importance of maintaining status quo.
The Solicitor General also assured the court that, in the interim, no appointments would be made to the Central Waqf Council or State Waqf Boards. The court took this assurance on record and listed the matter for further hearing next week.
“This is not a matter that can be dealt with lightly,” Mehta told the bench, adding that staying the operation of the Act would be a “harsh step.” He requested one week’s time to submit a preliminary reply along with supporting documents.
The bench observed that it had earlier noted there were some positive aspects in the amended law and reiterated that a complete stay on the legislation was not warranted. At the same time, the court emphasized that it did not want the prevailing situation on the ground to be altered while the matter was under judicial consideration.
“We have to ensure that the situation as it exists now is not disturbed,” the bench remarked, stressing the importance of maintaining status quo.
The Solicitor General also assured the court that, in the interim, no appointments would be made to the Central Waqf Council or State Waqf Boards. The court took this assurance on record and listed the matter for further hearing next week.
15:52 (IST) Apr 16
SC seeks central government's response to the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act
SC seeks Centre's response to over 100 petitions which challenge the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which seeks authentication of Waqf property and provides for appointment of non-Muslims to the Waqf Council and the Aukaf Board. But did not stay in operation of the law.
15:51 (IST) Apr 16
SC says undoing 'waqf by user' will create problem, there has been some misuse of this
15:43 (IST) Apr 16
Supreme Court asks Centre how "waqfs by user" would be registered as there may be lack of documents
14:34 (IST) Apr 16
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for the petitioners' side
14:33 (IST) Apr 16
There are two aspects we want to ask both the sides to address. Firstly, whether we should entertain or relegate it to the high court? Secondly, point out in brief what you are really urging and wanting to argue?
CJI Sanjeev Khanna while hearing plea challenging Waqf Act
14:30 (IST) Apr 16
Waqf Act Hearing Live: 'Justice will be delivered from here," MP Imran Masood says outside SC
Speaking outside the Supreme Court during the ongoing hearing on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, Congress MP Imran Masood said:
“There’s a huge crowd (inside the courtroom), it’s difficult to even enter. The hearing has just begun, and I have full faith that justice will be served. We can’t comment on judicial proceedings, but we truly believe that justice will be delivered from here.”
“There’s a huge crowd (inside the courtroom), it’s difficult to even enter. The hearing has just begun, and I have full faith that justice will be served. We can’t comment on judicial proceedings, but we truly believe that justice will be delivered from here.”
14:14 (IST) Apr 16
SC begins hearing bunch of pleas challenging Waqf Act
10:38 (IST) Apr 16
Waqf Act Hearing Live: 'Attempt to dilute Places of Worship Act,': Petitioner Jaleed Ahmad says
As the SC is going to hear pleas against Waqf Amendment Act today, one of the petitioner Jaleed Ahmad said, "The Waqf (Amendment) that has come, a new provision of 'Waqf By User' is an attempt to dilute Places of Worship Act, 1991. Secondly, in new amendment, a condition was brought that mentioned that all the Waqf would be have to produce the documental evidence in every six months on the portal. Earlier the Waqf used to be verbal, there are no documents, but they are Waqf. The act was forced unconstitutionally on the community. Court is the only place where we can expect the justice, we hope that the SC would do justice."
10:02 (IST) Apr 16
Waqf Act Hearing Live: 'Bill meant to divide our society,' says Samajwadi Party MP Zia ur Rahman Barq
"The Supreme Court will be hearing the petitions today. I and our party, Akhilesh Yadav had opposed the (Waqf) bill when it was brought in Parliament. This bill is meant to divide our society and obstruct the development of our nation. We protested against the bill inside Parliament and at Jantar Mantar too. I have also filed a writ in Supreme Court which will be heard today, and we are hoping for justice," Samajwadi Party MP Zia ur Rahman Barq said ahead of SC hearing
09:43 (IST) Apr 16
Waqf Act Hearing Live: Six BJP-ruled states move SC to support new Waqf law
In a significant development, six BJP-ruled states including Madhya Pradesh and Assam have approached the Supreme Court to support the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan is likely to hear at 2 pm a batch of petitions, including the one of AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, against the constitutional validity of the new Waqf law.
The six BJP-ruled states -- Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Assam -- have filed separate pleas highlighting the potential administrative and legal ramifications if the Waqf (Amendment) Act is struck down or altered.
Haryana, which has filed the intervention in the lead petition, emphasised the urgent need for reform in the management of Waqf property.
The state government pointed to persistent issues such as incomplete property surveys, lack of proper accounting, long-pending cases in Waqf tribunals and irregular or missing records of property mutations.
It said the amended law seeks to bring a unified structure for Waqf management and ensure greater oversight of Mutawallis (custodians).
The Maharashtra government asserted that it is crucial to assist the apex court by providing parliamentary records, committee recommendations and insights from national consultations.
The six BJP-ruled states -- Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Assam -- have filed separate pleas highlighting the potential administrative and legal ramifications if the Waqf (Amendment) Act is struck down or altered.
Haryana, which has filed the intervention in the lead petition, emphasised the urgent need for reform in the management of Waqf property.
The state government pointed to persistent issues such as incomplete property surveys, lack of proper accounting, long-pending cases in Waqf tribunals and irregular or missing records of property mutations.
It said the amended law seeks to bring a unified structure for Waqf management and ensure greater oversight of Mutawallis (custodians).
The Maharashtra government asserted that it is crucial to assist the apex court by providing parliamentary records, committee recommendations and insights from national consultations.
09:42 (IST) Apr 16
Waqf Act Hearing Live: SC to hear today bunch of pleas against provisions of '95 waqf Act
As Supreme Court readies to hear on Wednesday a bunch of petitions challenging Waqf Amendment Act, a petition by advocate Hari Shankar Jain sought scrapping of several provisions of waqf Act, 1995 and recent amendments alleging their use as tools by waqfs to illegally amass immoveable properties across India.
In his petition, Jain, who is in the forefront of litigation for restoration of Gyanvapi mosque at Varanasi and Idgah at Mathura to Kashi Vishwanath temple and Krishna Janmasthan temple, challenged as many as six section of the waqf Act alleging that because of these provisions "Muslims have been able to illegally capture the properties belonging to public utilities, govt, gram samajs and Hindu temples."
09:41 (IST) Apr 16
'Govt's intent is very clear': AISSC chairman Syed Naseruddin Chishty backs PM Modi over Waqf (Amendment) Act
All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council Chairman Syed Naseruddin Chishty on Tuesday extended his support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Waqf Amendment Act, stating that the government's intent behind the move is "very clear."
Speaking to ANI, Syed Naseruddin Chishty said that he is hopeful that the new Act will properly utilise the Waqf Fund for the welfare of society.
"What PM Modi said yesterday made his intent very clear. He said that the Waqf Act is being amended so that there is proper utilisation of Waqf management, its properties, its funds and upliftment of poor Muslims. That is what the PM said, and it is absolutely correct. I agree with him. The Govt's intent is very clear... I, too, am very hopeful that with the new Act, the Waqf Fund will be properly utilised for the welfare of society," Syed Naseruddin Chishty said.
A day earlier, PM Modi accused the Congress party of spreading "votebank ka virus" for opposing the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act. The Prime Minister also accused the Opposition party of treating the SC and ST communities as "second-class citizens".
Speaking to ANI, Syed Naseruddin Chishty said that he is hopeful that the new Act will properly utilise the Waqf Fund for the welfare of society.
"What PM Modi said yesterday made his intent very clear. He said that the Waqf Act is being amended so that there is proper utilisation of Waqf management, its properties, its funds and upliftment of poor Muslims. That is what the PM said, and it is absolutely correct. I agree with him. The Govt's intent is very clear... I, too, am very hopeful that with the new Act, the Waqf Fund will be properly utilised for the welfare of society," Syed Naseruddin Chishty said.
A day earlier, PM Modi accused the Congress party of spreading "votebank ka virus" for opposing the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act. The Prime Minister also accused the Opposition party of treating the SC and ST communities as "second-class citizens".
09:40 (IST) Apr 16
Waqf Act Hearing Live: Villagers in Tamil Nadu allege their lands have been suddenly declared "Waqf"
Residents of a village near here on Tuesday claimed that they have received notice from authorities administering a local mosque-dargah declaring their land to be "Waqf" property.
The notice has asked them to pay rent/fee or vacate, they alleged and said that they have petitioned Vellore District Collector V R Subbulaxmi to look into the matter and render justice.
The residents of Kaatukollai village under Anaikattu union (Vellore district), near Virinichipuram said they have been living in the village for about 3-4 generations and now, all of a sudden, they have received notices.
Approximately 150 families live in the village and the exact number of residents who received the so-called notice could not be verified immediately.
Officials did not answer phone calls for comment and the content of the "notice" could not be immediately cross-checked.
The notice has asked them to pay rent/fee or vacate, they alleged and said that they have petitioned Vellore District Collector V R Subbulaxmi to look into the matter and render justice.
The residents of Kaatukollai village under Anaikattu union (Vellore district), near Virinichipuram said they have been living in the village for about 3-4 generations and now, all of a sudden, they have received notices.
Approximately 150 families live in the village and the exact number of residents who received the so-called notice could not be verified immediately.
Officials did not answer phone calls for comment and the content of the "notice" could not be immediately cross-checked.
09:39 (IST) Apr 16
'It is against the Constitution': IUML National General Secretary PK Kunhalikutty on Waqf act
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) National General Secretary PK Kunhalikutty on Tuesday said that the Waqf Amendment Act goes against the Constitution.
Speaking to ANI, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) National General Secretary PK Kunhalikutty said, "We are confident. The Supreme Court is taking up the matter. We have given our petition, and senior Advocate Kapil Sibal is appearing. It (the Waqf Amendment Act) is against the Constitution. That is what we believe."
He mentioned that the matter is now with the Supreme Court, and senior advocate Kapil Sibal is representing their petition.
The petitions filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, were mentioned before the Supreme Court on April 7.
Speaking to ANI, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) National General Secretary PK Kunhalikutty said, "We are confident. The Supreme Court is taking up the matter. We have given our petition, and senior Advocate Kapil Sibal is appearing. It (the Waqf Amendment Act) is against the Constitution. That is what we believe."
He mentioned that the matter is now with the Supreme Court, and senior advocate Kapil Sibal is representing their petition.
The petitions filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, were mentioned before the Supreme Court on April 7.
Waqf Amendment Act Hearing Live Updates: The Supreme Court on Thursday recorded the Centre’s assurance that it would file its response within seven days in the case challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union government, also assured the court that no appointments would be made to the Central Waqf Council or State Waqf Boards in the meantime.
The court noted Mehta’s further assurance that, until the next hearing, no Waqf property—including those registered or notified as Waqf-by-user—would be denotified or have its character altered.
Taking these statements on record, the bench directed the Centre to submit its reply within a week and posted the matter for further hearing.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union government, also assured the court that no appointments would be made to the Central Waqf Council or State Waqf Boards in the meantime.
The court noted Mehta’s further assurance that, until the next hearing, no Waqf property—including those registered or notified as Waqf-by-user—would be denotified or have its character altered.
Taking these statements on record, the bench directed the Centre to submit its reply within a week and posted the matter for further hearing.
Trending
Explore Every Corner
Across The Globe
IPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosWhite House ShootingUPSC prelims 2026Jasprit BumrahVaibhav SooryavanshiFrench Open 2026 Live StreamingFalta election result 2026UPSC Prelims 2026Dianna Russini ControversyKKR vs DCMinecraft Seeds for BeginnersIPL Match TodayMI vs RRMumbai indians vs rajasthan royals live scoreDelhi Capitals vs Kolkata knight riders live scoreNFL Trade RumorsUS Iran WarTwisha SharmaHighest Paid Athlete ListIPL Orange Cap 2026Akash SinghDonald Trump DaughterIPL 2026 Playoff PredictionJoe RootFuel Rate todayJNVST Class 6 Phase 2 ResultsLucknow super giants vs punjab kings live scoreIPL Points Table 2026Rachin RavindraAravindh Chithambarams
Hot on the Web
Swaroop Sampat RawalImtiaz AliRukmini VasanthRent Hike RulesDenzel WashingtonRam CharanRaveena TandonTraditional Indian FoodsDhurandhar 2 OTT ReleaseAbhishek BachchanDrishyam 3 Box Office CollectionAishwarya Rai BachchanFarhan AkhtarMaa Behen TrailerDeepika PadukoneChand Mera Dil Box Office CollectionNiranjana DesaiAishwarya Rai BachchanUnique Fruit TreesKaruppu Box Office CollectionDhurandhar 2Abhijeet DipkePopular FoodSnake Parks in IndiaKangana RanautHemant ModiBaby NamesDhurandhar 2 Box Office CollectionPati Patni Aur Woh Do Box Office CollectionHoroscope TodayCuba Drone ThreatFatah 3 VS BrahmosUS Powerball LotteryRajnath SinghUAE Nuclear PlantSanjeev AroraNyt ConnectionsEpic Fury 2.0Legal Document PropertySuryastraS 400Captions For Instagram Posts
Trending Topics
TANCET Result 2026Twisha SharmaHamza BurhanSRH vs RCB ClashVaibhav SooryavanshiAbhishek SharmaAnimesh KujurAryna SabalenkaTamil Nadu MurderDelhi Market FireGurgaon Transformer BlastTCS Nashik CaseMP High CourtAllahabad High CourtHaryana Police EncounterLucknow RapeKolkata AirportMalabar Hill TankAIBE 21 admit cardNID DAT counselling 2026US Iran warDonald TrumpEbola treatment centreStrait of hormuzStarship V3 launch postponedRajnath singhFalta repollingPiyush GoyalBSF conquers EverestSergio GorJeff BezosUS Chip ShortageNikesh AroraTrump China VisitBrian NiccolsRoyal Enfield CompensationFlight Delayed CompensationChristian KleinGarena Free Fire MAX Redeem CodesPeroxide CodesGenshin Impact Codes
Popular Categories
HeadlinesSports NewsBusiness NewsIndia NewsWorld NewsInternational SportsHealthIndian TV ShowsTechnologyTravelEtimesAstrologyDeorhiAutoTechnology NewsGold Rate TodayWeather TodaySilver Price TodayDelhi Weather TodayPetrol Price TodayDiesel Price TodayCNG Price TodayLPG Price TodayPetrol Price MumbaiDelhi AQIIs Bank Open TodayMumbai AQI TodayIs Bank Open TomorrowPublic Holidays in MayBank Holidays in May
Trending Videos
US Military Aircraft Sparks Alarm After Declaring In-Flight Emergency Mid-Air | WatchBREAKING: Trump’s Iran Deal Hype Crashes? Shock Hormuz Blockade Announcement; 'US Army To Remain...'U.S. 'Prioritises' Own Arsenal First; Ally Faces Dangerous Delay Amid China Tensions | ReportShock Iran-U.S. Deal Twist; Tehran Warns Of NPT Exit, Blockade Break If War Returns'NOT A 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL…’: Iran Unleashes Savage Greenland Attack On Trump | WatchBIG! Iran Shoots Down Israeli Spy Drone Near Hormuz; Secret Strike Mission Crushed? | WATCHMassive Ukrainian Drone Attack Met With Total Russian Response | WatchMeghan Mocked Online As Low Turnout Sparks Massive Social Media Backlash | WATCHKieron Pollard on MI’s disappointing IPL 2026 campaign & Hardik’s leadershipKumar Sangakkara on Jofra Archer, Riyan Parag’s leadership & RR’s fighting win'Damaged For First Time Since WWII': Russia's Blitz Hits Ukraine's Foreign Ministry Building'I Feel Very Bad': Mamata Reacts After Football Statue Removal From Kolkata StadiumMojtaba Camp Escalates Rhetoric; Iran Warns U.S. Over NPT Exit, Naval Blockade BreakMamata Alleges EVM Rigging, Vote Looting As BJP Wins Falta Repoll; Says INDIA Bloc May Meet In JuneMBS, Saudi, Pakistan And The Nuclear Question India Cannot Afford To Ignore Any Longer TodayRussia Doubles Down With Fresh Threat After Massive Missile Attack on UkrainePutin’s Oreshnik Punishment Strike Rocks Ukraine; Massive Blasts, Fires Captured On CameraBengal CM Suvendu Adhikari Asks Districts To Set Up ‘Holding Centres’ For Illegal Immigrants
Latest News
Hazaribag man drowns while fishing in lake"Behen Darr Gayi!": Fans relive ‘Bhagam Bhag’ era after watching Akshay Kumar's 'Bhooth Bangla' trailerMBOSE HSLC result 2026 to release tomorrow: Check details hereIran war risk: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warns of oil shocks, sticky inflation and higher interest ratesMake your clutch last longer with these easy driving tips“Three-against-one situation”: El Rubius opens up on being “targeted” in MrBeast’s viral $1M challengeBihar BTSC lab assistant notification released for 1091 posts at btsc.bihar.gov.in; apply hereIPL craze costs techie Rs 1.46 lakh in fake RCB vs CSK ticket scamRaising “robot-proof” kids: Why creativity and curiosity matter more than everInside ‘Satguru Sharan’: Exploring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Rs 100 crore Bandra homeHow selling Alaska in 1867 was a costly mistake for Russia'Hera Pheri 3 is coming': Paresh Rawal dismisses delay reports and reveals he will 'start shooting soon'US-Iran War: A daring rescue Hollywood blockbuster is on its way. Till then, pick your favourite from these 10 films on bringing someone home against all oddsKolkata team unveils fan mural at Rash Behari Avenue, celebrating city’s first loveHow US spread a lie to rescue a pilot of a jet shot down in IranNetflix unveils ‘VOID’, an AI model that can change a movie plotAI data centers are causing 'stress' not just to tech companies, but also private insurers"Trans women are.....": Clavicular’s viral moment with trans women sparks fresh conversation on internet culture
Copyright © 2026 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service