Waqf Act Under Scrutiny: Supreme Court Hearing Set for April 16

The Waqf Amendment Act 2025 petitions will be heard by the Indian Supreme Court on April 16. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan will hear the case. 

The petitions, moved by prominent people like AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, and RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha, question the constitutional validity of the amendments.

The Waqf Amendment Act that was ratified by Parliament on April 4 and signed into legislation by the President on April 5 has been criticized for violating the Shariat Act and stripping Muslim society of its right to be administered according to religious institutions. Petitioners argue that the law is "manifestly arbitrary" and encourages religious discrimination.

The Centre has lodged a caveat, seeking to be heard before orders are issued on the petitions. 

This court challenge is part of a series of issues related to the impact of the amendments on Muslim community rights and Waqf property administration.

The 16th April hearing will be closely observed since the case has implications for the management of Waqf institutions across India and Muslim minority rights in India. 

The decision can have a determinative role in exercising influence in the management of religious properties and set a precedent for other future laws on minority rights.