Supreme Court Refuses to Hear New Petitions on Waqf Amendment Act, Citing Unmanageable Caseload.
Waqf Amendment Act: The Supreme Court has refused to hear new petitions challenging the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The court explicitly stated that no further petitions would be accepted due to the rapidly increasing number of cases, making them increasingly difficult to manage.
Supreme Court's Remarks
A bench comprising Chief Justice (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, reiterating its order from Monday, dismissed 13 more petitions. The court stated, "We are not going to increase the number of petitions...these petitions will keep increasing and it will become difficult to manage them."
Five Petitions to be Heard
The court will now hear only five petitions, including one filed by Syed Ali Akbar. These petitions challenge the constitutional validity of the Waqf amendment law. The court clarified that those with additional grounds can file intervention applications in the main petitions.
CJI's Statement
The CJI told the petitioners, "If you want to argue on new points, file an intervention application." He clarified that only the main cases would be heard to ensure a streamlined and efficient process.
72 Petitions Filed So Far
A total of 72 petitions have been filed across the country against the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. Prominent petitioners include AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, DMK, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, advocate Tariq Ahmad, and others.
Central Government Response; Next Hearing on May 5
The court has directed the central government to file its response on the five petitions. Furthermore, all petitioners have been given five days to respond to the government's reply. The next hearing is scheduled for May 5, where the court will consider preliminary objections and interim orders.
