The Supreme Court of India gave a temporary stay on a few parts of the new Waqf law until the next hearing on May 5. The court’s decision was mainly about two points – the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards and councils and the rule about "waqf by user".

The law passed recently says that non-Muslims must be included as members of Waqf boards. But the court said this part should not be implemented for now. Also, the provision called "waqf by user" – where a place is declared waqf based on its public use – should not be removed or changed until the next hearing.

A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud heard the case. The central government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, told the court that no new appointments would be made to the Waqf boards or councils under the 2025 Act until the court says otherwise.

"SG (Tushar) Mehta assured that until the next date, no appointment shall take place to the board and councils under the 2025 Act. He also assures that the status of waqfs, including waqf by user, already declared by notification or gazetted, shall not be changed," the court said in its order.

The Centre asked for 7 days to file a reply. The court agreed and also gave the petitioners 5 days to respond after that.

 

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