Supreme Court Case: Centre Defends Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

The Centre presented its defense of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, contending that although waqf is an Islamic concept, it is not a fundamental component of Islam. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized that waqf represents charity, recognized across religions and not essential to any specific faith.

Mehta dismissed claims of the law enabling state takeover of waqf properties, stating such takeovers cannot proceed without due process via the Waqf Tribunal. He highlighted that the concept of 'waqf by user', which allows land deemed waqf through long-term use, lacks statutory permanence.

The Solicitor General assured that the amended law followed an unprecedented level of consultations, underscoring the historic misuse of waqf claims on public land. The Act, Mehta noted, does not violate constitutional protections for religious practices, requiring proof of waqf as integral to Islam.

(With inputs from agencies.)