New Delhi: The central government has filed a caveat before the Supreme Court in anticipation of legal challenges to the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025.
The caveat is a procedural move aimed at preventing the Court from passing any ex-parte orders (without hearing the Centre’s side), especially interim relief such as a stay on the amendments.
The petitions, including one by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, challenge the constitutional validity of the amendments.
Petitioners argue that the changes violate Article 300A (Right to Property), the secular fabric of the Constitution, and the federal balance of power.
Concerns have also been raised about the Centre allegedly bypassing proper consultation with state Waqf Boards and other stakeholders.
The amendments in question reportedly include provisions that broaden the powers of the Central Waqf Council.
Curtail certain rights of individuals and organizations in waqf-related land disputes.
Restrict the jurisdiction of matters, directing matters to civil courts instead of Waqf Tribunals.
Legal experts view the Centre’s caveat as a signal of its preparedness to defend the amendments strongly and to prevent any delays in their implementation.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on April 15, in the case titled “Asaduddin Owaisi versus Union of India”.
The Court’s had allowed the filing of petitions. As many as seven petitions challenging the Waqf Act Amendments Bill have been filed. More are coming up.
The initial response and the Centre’s yet-to-be-filed which will be crucial in shaping the legal trajectory of the case, which may have far-reaching consequences for the administration of waqf properties across India.
UNI
