The Supreme Court of India has put a stay on several key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, a law governing Islamic charitable endowments, also known as waqfs. This action follows widespread protests and legal challenges against the amendments, which were adopted by the Indian Parliament earlier this year.

The court's decision, delivered by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, addresses concerns raised about the Act's impact on citizens' rights and the separation of powers. While the court declined to stay the entire Act, it specifically put on hold provisions that sparked significant controversy.

One of the key provisions stayed by the Supreme Court is the requirement that only individuals who have practiced Islam for at least five years can dedicate property as Waqf. The court acknowledged that without clearly defined rules from state governments to determine adherence to Islam, this clause could be arbitrarily applied. This stay effectively restores the pre-2013 provision, which allowed "any person professing Islam" to dedicate property.

The court also addressed the powers granted to district officials (collectors) under the amended Waqf Act. It has stayed the provision that empowered a Collector to decide whether a property declared as Waqf was government-owned, noting that allowing the Collector to adjudicate citizens' rights would violate the principle of separation of powers. The Supreme Court has clarified that any determination regarding the nature of a property must remain subject to adjudication by Waqf tribunals and the concerned high courts. Until these proceedings conclude, no third-party rights can be created in the disputed properties.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court has addressed the composition of Waqf boards. It ruled that the number of non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council cannot exceed four, and similar limits were imposed on State Waqf Boards. However, the court did not stay the provision allowing a non-Muslim to serve as CEO of a State Waqf Board, though it suggested that a Muslim should be appointed “as far as possible”.

The Waqf Act amendments and the recent Supreme Court ruling have sparked reactions from various political groups. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomed the Supreme Court ruling, calling it a "very good sign for democracy". He also stated that the provisions in the Act are beneficial to the entire Muslim community and will help stop the misuse and encroachment of property through Waqf Boards.

The Supreme Court's interim order comes in response to numerous petitions challenging the Waqf Act amendments. These petitions argue that the changes infringe upon the rights of individuals and undermine the principles of justice, equality, and fraternity. The court's decision to stay key provisions reflects its concern for these issues while allowing the bulk of the Act to remain in force. A detailed judgment from the Supreme Court is expected to follow.