Today, the Supreme Court is expected to deliver a crucial verdict regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, a law that has ignited considerable debate and legal challenges. The core of the controversy revolves around the extent of government oversight in regulating Waqf properties, as well as concerns about potential departures from established legal and constitutional principles.

The Supreme Court's decision follows a series of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. After three days of arguments, the bench, led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, reserved its interim order on May 22. The court has identified three primary issues for consideration.

One of the key points of contention is the Act's provisions regarding the denotification of properties previously declared as Waqf properties by courts, through usage, or by deed. Petitioners argue against the power to denotify properties declared as "waqf by courts, waqf-by-user or waqf by deed" prescribed in the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Another challenge concerns the composition of state Waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council, with arguments that membership should remain exclusive to Muslims, except for ex-officio positions. The third issue is a clause stipulating that a Waqf property will lose its status if a district collector, following an inquiry, determines it to be government land.

Those challenging the amended Waqf law, led by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, argue that it represents a "complete departure from historical legal and constitutional principles" and a means to "capture waqf through a non-judicial process". Conversely, the Centre defends the Act, asserting its constitutionality and maintaining that Waqf is a "secular concept," not an essential part of Islamic religion. The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs supported the Act, emphasizing the "presumption of constitutionality" for laws passed by Parliament.

The outcome of today's Supreme Court ruling carries significant implications for the regulation and administration of Waqf properties in India. It will likely address the balance between government oversight and the rights and protections afforded to Waqf properties under the Constitution.