New Delhi, May 2 (HS): The Supreme Court has refused to hear a new petition concerning the Waqf Amendment Law. The bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjeev Khanna stated that it will only hear five petitions related to this matter. If the petitioners wish, they can intervene in those cases. The Supreme Court is set to hear the Waqf Amendment Law on May 5.

Mohammad Sultan has filed a new petition in the Supreme Court concerning the Waqf Amendment Law. The central government had earlier submitted an affidavit opposing challenges to this law, asserting it does not infringe upon fundamental rights and promotes secular management of waqf properties.

The government clarified that the amendments do not violate Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution and assert their jurisdiction over the matter.

According to them, already registered waqf properties will remain unaffected, and claims surrounding their impact on long-standing waqf properties are misleading. As of April 17, the central government informed the Supreme Court that controversial provisions of the Waqf Amendment Law will not be enacted immediately, maintaining the status quo.

Chief Justice Sanjeev Khanna acknowledged this statement and directed the government to respond. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued against a stay on the law, emphasizing it is a parliamentary decision. He noted that the law was drafted after consulting millions and stressed the need to consider public interests concerning land claims in several villages. When questioned by the Chief Justice about actions on properties registered under the Waqf Act of 1995, Mehta confirmed that such protections are included in the law.

The Chief Justice indicated that while conducting proceedings, no new appointments should be made within the Waqf Board or Council. They seek to avoid altering the existing situation without imposing a complete stay.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar