The Supreme Court of India, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, granted interim relief in response to petitions challenging the newly amended Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan directed the Centre to file its preliminary response within a week. During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, assured the bench that no “waqf by deed” or “waqf by user” properties would be denotified until the next hearing scheduled for May 5. Additionally, Mehta confirmed that no fresh appointments would be made to the central Waqf council or boards during this interim period.

The Chief Justice emphasized that any waqf property registered under the previous Waqf Act of 1995 cannot be denotified until further orders are passed. The court made it clear that it would not entertain all pleas on the issue due to the volume of petitions and would consider only five, instructing the concerned lawyers to coordinate amongst themselves for representation. Petitioners have also been granted five days to file their rejoinders once the Centre submits its response.

The case has drawn significant public and political attention, particularly with concerns over the potential implications of the amendments on religious and community-owned assets. The court’s move aims to preserve the status quo while the constitutionality of the amendments is being debated. The hearing reflects the judiciary’s cautious approach to sensitive issues involving faith-based institutions and their governance structures.