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.