SC May Block Non-Muslims in Waqf Boards, De-Notification of Existing Waqf-by-User

Though it did not pass any order, and decided to continue hearings on Thursday as well, the Supreme Court on Wednesday proposed to bar the nomination of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards and a stay of certain key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the powers of collectors in deciding disputes over Waqf properties and provisions on de-notifying properties declared as waqf by the courts.

- PARMOD KUMAR

While stating that the suggested order was the outcome of the deliberation amongst the three judges on the bench, the Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, heading a bench also comprising Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice KV Viswanathan, did not pass any order as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, senior advocate Vikas Singh, Rakesh Dwivedi and others urged the court to grant them more time to place their arguments before it.

As the bench posted the matter for further hearing at 2.00 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday), it was suggested that they be given half an hour to advance their arguments in favour of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who had opened the arguments against the Waqf law, sought 10 minutes to give their rejoinder.