New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday delivered a major interim ruling on the contentious Waqf Amendment Act, halting two of its most debated provisions while allowing others to remain in force. The order came from a bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih.
The court stayed the clause that required an individual to be a practicing Muslim for at least five years before creating a Waqf, noting the absence of laws to verify religious identity. It also blocked provisions granting sweeping powers to district collectors in Waqf disputes, reiterating that only tribunals can decide such matters.
At the same time, the court limited non-Muslim representation in Waqf boards—capping it at three in state boards and four in the Central Board. However, it allowed the existing requirement for registration of Waqf properties to stand, observing that it was already part of earlier law.
The ruling, seen as a partial relief to critics, underscores the judiciary’s intent to prevent arbitrary use of power while maintaining the framework of the Act.
