Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court's judgment on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The Supreme Court refused to stay the whole legislation but temporarily suspended certain provisions pending hearing of petitions challenging its constitutional validity.
Rijiju, who is also the Minority Affairs Minister, described the judgment as reflecting faith in democratic institutions, calling it "a good sign for our democracy."
"We welcome the Supreme Court's order on the Waqf Act. The government's solicitor general strongly put all the aspects and intentions of the government in the hearings. This is a good sign for our Parliamentary democracy. This topic was extensively debated in both houses of Parliament. Some people unnecessarily challenge in the Supreme Court. You cannot challenge the authority of Parliament, you can challenge certain provisions of the law, and the SC put a stamp on this aspect," Rijiju told reporters in Mumbai.
Highlighting that the bill was extensively debated in both houses of the Parliament, Rijiju said, "The decision reflects the strength of Indian democracy and the trust in our institutions. We will continue to work towards inclusive growth and justice for all communities."
He further emphasised that the amended law will directly benefit poor Muslims, especially women, children, and orphans. "It will bring more transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties, which has long been a concern."
Earlier today, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih declined to stay the entire Act but suspended some controversial provisions. The judges noted that some sections needed safeguards.
As part of the interim order, the bench put on hold the condition that one must have practiced Islam for five years to establish a Waqf. The court explained that this provision will be kept in abeyance until regulations are made for setting out how such practice is established, adding that in the absence of guidelines, the provision may lead to arbitrariness.
The court also invalidated, for the time being, the provision according to which Collectors were vested with the powers to adjudicate disputes regarding whether a Waqf property encroaches on government land. It noted that Collectors cannot adjudicate the property rights of citizens, merely because such an exercise will violate the doctrine of separation of powers.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 2 and 3, 2025, respectively. Once cleared by both Houses, it was given Presidential assent on April 5, becoming a law of the land.
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