**Supreme Court Halts Waqf Law Changes Until Next Hearing**
The Supreme Court has temporarily suspended certain provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the controversial requirement to include non-Muslims on Waqf boards and councils. This decision was made during a hearing on Thursday, with the next session scheduled for May 5.
The Chief Justice-led bench emphasized that the ‘waqf by user’ provision should remain unchanged until the upcoming hearing. The Centre has assured the court that no new appointments will be made to the Waqf boards during this period. The recent amendments to the law have sparked significant debate, particularly regarding the inclusion of non-Muslims as mandatory members of Waqf boards.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, confirmed that there would be no appointments to the boards and councils under the 2025 Act until the next hearing. He also stated that the status of waqfs, including those declared by notification or gazetted, would not be altered.
The court has granted the Centre a week to submit a formal response, while allowing petitioners to file their rejoinders within five days thereafter. This ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities surrounding the governance of Waqf properties and the implications of the recent legislative changes.
**FAQ**
*What is the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025?*
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, introduces changes to the composition of Waqf boards, mandating the inclusion of non-Muslims as members, which has led to legal challenges and public debate.
