*The next hearing for May 5 at 2 PM*
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday granted the central government a week to file its response to petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan, scheduled the next hearing for May 5 at 2 PM.
In its interim order, the Court directed that no changes be made to the current status of waqf properties until the next hearing. The bench also barred any fresh appointments under the Waqf Act during this period.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, requested more time to respond, citing the far-reaching implications of the case. He also opposed the idea of an interim stay, calling it “harsh” and unwarranted at this stage. The Court accepted the government’s plea and granted a seven-day extension to file its reply.
Assuring the bench, Mehta said no waqf properties registered or notified in the official gazette—especially those falling under the category of “waqf by user”—would be denotified, and their jurisdiction under district collectors would remain unchanged. However, he added that the government could proceed with action concerning properties outside these classifications.
The Court further noted that it was not practical to examine over 100 pending files and directed petitioners to identify and consolidate five key issues for focused deliberation. These points are to be finalized with the help of a nodal counsel to streamline the arguments.
While the Centre urged the Court not to stay a law passed by Parliament, it expressed willingness to participate in daily hearings if necessary.
