Waqf Amendment Under Scrutiny: Supreme Court Continues Hearing on Day 2

The Supreme Court continued the Waqf bill hearing for petitions against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on Thursday (April 17, 2025) at 2 p.m. following its adjournment on Wednesday (April 16, 2025) which served as the first hearing day.

On Wednesday the Supreme Court raised questions about various provisions within the Act. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna described the communal violence in West Bengal triggered by the 2025 Act as "very disturbing" during a two-hour hearing of approximately 100 petitions.

The highest court put forward its intention to suspend critical provisions of the act which includes authorities to undo waqf property statuses assigned by courts and the integration of non-Muslim members in national Waqf committees and boards.

A three-judge panel headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan presided over the case. Viswanathan

Pramod Tiwari of Congress today commented that the Supreme Court's concerns during the Waqf amendment bill 2025 hearing matched questions Congress had raised in the Joint Parliamentary Committee.

Mr. Tiwari declared to ANI that the Supreme Court waqf act must act when constitutional violations occur.

The government presents the law as a way to increase transparency and accountability in waqf management yet experts informed The Hindu that it violates the Muslim community's religious independence.

The Supreme Court’s proposed orders in a PIL against the Waqf Act Supreme Court received approval from MP Mahua Moitra of the Trinamool Congress yesterday and she expressed hope for continued action when the court resumes hearing tomorrow.

The Supreme Court put forward a proposal to protect properties designated as waqf from de-notification including "waqf by user" properties but the Centre requested a hearing before any such order could be issued.