Image Source wikimedia
A three-judge panel, consisting of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan, has so far scheduled 10 petitions regarding the matter.
Numerous petitions contesting the Waqf Amendment Act have been submitted to the Supreme Court by various political parties and Muslim organizations. In contrast, at least seven states have approached the Supreme Court to support the legislation, seeking to intervene and present their arguments.
These states contend that the Act brings forth significant reforms intended to enhance the management and regulation of Waqf properties, promote transparency, and ensure improved governance.
The Waqf Amendment bill was approved by Parliament earlier this month following extensive discussions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan, is set to hear the challenges to the bill at 2 PM.
Previously, the Supreme Court indicated that it would refrain from encroaching upon legislative matters. However, as the ultimate authority on constitutional issues, it has agreed to consider the petitions from those who argue that the amended law infringes upon several fundamental rights, including the right to equality and the freedom to practice religion.
Among the challengers are leaders from the Congress, Janata Dal United, Aam Aadmi Party, DMK, and CPI, as well as religious organizations and NGOs such as Jamiat Ulema Hind and the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board. States governed by the BJP, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand, which support the law, have submitted applications requesting to be heard.
(Newsroom staff only edited this story for style from a syndicated feed)
