Supreme Court to hear 73 petitions challenging Waqf (Amendment) Act amid nationwide protests
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to begin hearing today a batch of 73 petitions questioning the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, a legislation that has sparked protests and sharp political debate across the country. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, will commence proceedings at 2 PM.
The petitions, filed by a broad spectrum of political leaders, religious organisations, and citizens, challenge the amended Act on multiple grounds. Among the petitioners are MPs and MLAs from the Congress, Trinamool Congress, AAP, CPI, RJD, JDU, AIMIM, Samajwadi Party, YSRCP, TVK, and Indian Union Muslim League. Prominent names include Asaduddin Owaisi, Amanatullah Khan, Mahua Moitra, Mohammad Jawed, Manoj Kumar Jha, and Faiyyaz Ahmad.
Religious bodies like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind are also among the petitioners. In addition, two Hindu individuals—Advocate Hari Shankar Jain and Parul Khera—have approached the court with arguments against the Waqf Act itself.
Grounds of Challenge
The petitioners have raised several constitutional and religious objections, including:
- The dismantling of the democratic structure of State Waqf Boards through the removal of elections.
- Provisions allowing non-Muslims to be appointed to Waqf Boards.
- A redefinition of "Waqf" that eliminates the concept of "Waqf by user."
- Restrictions on Scheduled Tribe members from creating Waqfs.
- Fear of increased government interference and arbitrary executive control.
- Concerns that oral or undocumented Waqf properties could be lost.
- Allegations that the amendments seek to convert Waqf properties into government assets.
The petitioners argue that the Act infringes on the Muslim community’s religious and cultural autonomy and violates fundamental rights under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
Government’s stand
The Central Government, which has filed a caveat to ensure it is heard before any interim relief is granted, maintains that the amendments are intended to increase transparency and efficiency in the management of Waqf properties. Seven states have also backed the Centre’s stand, seeking to intervene in support of the Act.
The Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in favour and 232 against, and in the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favour and 95 opposed. It received presidential assent on April 5, 2025.
The Supreme Court's decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the administration of religious endowments in India.
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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.
