Supreme Court hears batch of petitions challenging Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India today began hearing a large batch of petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, commenced the hearing at 2 PM.
Over seventy petitioners have approached the Court, including prominent political leaders such as AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress MP Md Jawed, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha, TMC MP Mahua Moitra, and SP MP Zia Ur Rehman. Religious and civil society bodies like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, Samastha Kerala Jamiatul Ulema, the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, and the Imam of Jama Masjid Bengaluru have also joined the challenge. Political parties such as DMK, IUML, YSRC Party, CPI, and even Tamil actor Vijay, representing TVK, are among the petitioners.
Several state governments — including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh — have filed intervention applications in support of the Amendment. The Central Government has filed a caveat to participate in the proceedings.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan outlined two aspects.
"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?" the CJI said.
"The second point may help us in deciding the first issue to some extent," the CJI added.
The hearing is underway with senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners' side, making submissions.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the Amendment abolishes the concept of "waqf by user", which he described as integral to the Islamic tradition and recognized in the Ram Janmabhoomi judgment. He also expressed concern over new limitations introduced by the law, saying they would prevent rightful claims on unregistered waqf properties, especially those that are centuries old.
CJI Khanna responded, stating that while limitation periods serve a legal purpose, their impact would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Sibal also raised objections to changes in the composition and appointment processes of Waqf Boards, alleging that they now amount to a “complete takeover” through nomination, violating Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
Senior Advocate CU Singh emphasized the charitable and religious character of waqf institutions and stated that the focus should not be limited to essential religious practices alone under Article 26.
Justice Viswanathan remarked that administration of property, even religious in origin, could be subject to regulation, while cautioning against overuse of the "essential religious practice" doctrine.
CJI Khanna made an informal remark noting concerns over the extent of waqf claims, pointing out that there were reports that the Delhi High Court building itself stands on waqf land. He added that while not all waqf by user claims are invalid, a balance must be struck.
The hearing is ongoing, with arguments expected to continue.
The Centre recently notified the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which got the assent of President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 after its passage from Parliament following heated debates in both houses.
The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting in favour and 95 opposing it. It was cleared by the Lok Sabha with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
