Tamil Nadu to delay Waqf Board reconstitution pending Supreme Court verdict: Minister
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Minister S. M. Nasar on Saturday announced that the state government will not reconstitute the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board under the amended Waqf Act until the Supreme Court delivers its final verdict.
Nasar said the Union government had brought in the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 1995—renamed as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995—which came into effect on April 8, 2025. The ruling DMK, he added, has opposed the legislation from the outset and has challenged it before the apex court.
“Several other stakeholders have also filed petitions against the new law. Considering these, the Supreme Court passed an interim order on September 15, staying certain provisions of the amended Act,” Nasar said, accusing the Union government of rushing the Bill through without proper consultation.
Reaffirming the DMK government’s stand, he said the administration is committed to safeguarding the rights and interests of the Muslim community, which has voiced concerns over the amendments.
Meanwhile, MMK president M. H. Jawahirulla urged the state government to ensure smooth functioning of the Waqf Board by immediately appointing a special officer and filling the post of assistant secretary, which has been vacant for nearly two years.
Earlier, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin declared that the DMK would continue to oppose the law in court, stressing, “This amendment is not just to be opposed but should be fully taken back.” Stalin also accused the BJP-led Union government of pursuing “ulterior motives” aimed at targeting a particular section of society.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which is leading opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, welcomed the Tamil Nadu government’s decision not to form a new Waqf Board under the amended law. Calling the move “timely, appropriate, and courageous,” AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. SQR Ilyas praised Stalin’s administration for taking what he described as a “constitutionally sound” position.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly had in March adopted a resolution urging the Union government to withdraw the Bill, while the Kerala Legislative Assembly had passed a similar resolution in October 2024.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which received presidential assent on April 5, has faced widespread protests and multiple legal challenges. Critics argue that the law undermines Muslim religious autonomy and property rights by expanding government control over waqf properties.
Recently, a Supreme Court Bench led by Chief Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice A. G. Masih partially stayed provisions of the Act. These included the five-year continuous practice requirement to create a waqf and the clause empowering government officials to adjudicate waqf property disputes, which the Court directed must be heard by Waqf Tribunals instead.
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IPL 2026 to be held between March 26-May 31 window
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As per the norms, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium should host the tournament opener given the home side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the IPL 2025 title.
While the venue has received conditional clearance from the Karnataka state government, it also needs to meet the necessary safety and security standards following the death of 11 fans in a stampede during RCB's victory celebrations in June this year.
The mini-auction for IPL 2026 will be held in Abu Dhabi today with three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders coming in with the biggest purse.
