Waqf Law in Supreme Court: No Changes in Waqf Status Till May 5, Rules SC

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday continued hearing petitions that challenge the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna asked the central government to file its response regarding the issue of ‘Waqf by User’ within seven days.

This update is a part of the ongoing legal debate over the newly amended Waqf law. The court, for now, has not stayed the Waqf Act, but has taken a few important steps in the matter.

What Is the Supreme Court’s Latest Direction?

As of now, the Supreme Court has not stopped the implementation of the Waqf Act, but it has paused any new appointments to Waqf Boards. Also, no changes will be made to the concept of Waqf by User until further orders.

The bench clearly instructed that the Centre must respond within 7 days, and after that, the petitioners will get 5 days to file their reply. The court has listed the matter for further hearing and possible interim orders on May 5.

This hearing follows Wednesday’s session where the court began examining the matter in detail. The petitions in court raise concerns about the powers and process involved in identifying properties as Waqf.

What Is Waqf by User?

‘Waqf by User’ is a concept where a property, even if not officially declared Waqf, may be treated as Waqf if it has been used for religious or charitable purposes over time. Petitioners have claimed that this concept is being misused and that it needs better legal clarity and protection of ownership rights.

The Centre will now have to defend this clause in its official reply.

After the Centre and petitioners file their replies, the court may issue an interim order in the next hearing. Until then, the government must not make any fresh appointments to the Waqf Boards.

This issue has sparked public debate around religious property laws and land rights in India. The court is trying to balance religious practices with constitutional values and property rights.

This article has been written by chatgpt write this article in most simple and easiest language, to help readers easily understand the ongoing Waqf law hearing and what it means.