New Delhi, April 17 (H.S.): During the hearing on the Waqf law for the second consecutive day on Thursday, the central government assured the Supreme Court that the controversial provisions of the Waqf amendment law will not be implemented for now. This means that the status quo on this law will remain for the time being. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna recorded the central government’s statement and issued a notice to the central government directing it to file a response within a week. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for May 5.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the central government, asserting that there was no valid reason to impose a stay on the law passed by Parliament. He highlighted the responsibility of the government, noting extensive public consultation prior to the law’s enactment.

Mehta emphasized the need to consider the interests of the general public, especially given the Waqf Board’s claims to land in several villages. He argued that an immediate stay would be a drastic measure.

Chief Justice raised concerns regarding properties registered under the Waqf Act of 1995, to which Mehta assured that those matters are addressed in the law. The Chief Justice then proposed that no new appointments be made to the Waqf Board or Waqf Council for now, ensuring stability in the situation while the court proceeds cautiously. He clarified that they are not placing a hold on the law but require the central government to respond to inquiries related to the Waqf law within seven days. Moreover, no changes regarding Waqf property status will occur until the response is received.

The court had earlier indicated the possibility of imposing an interim stay on specific provisions, particularly concerning the ‘Waqf by-user’ and the appointment of non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board, while noting serious concerns about ongoing violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal, during the pending court matter.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar