AIMPLB Terms SC’s Interim Order on Waqf Act ‘Incomplete and Unsatisfactory’
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s interim order on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, calling it “incomplete and unsatisfactory.” While the apex court granted partial relief by staying some contentious provisions, the Board believes the ruling falls short of addressing the broader constitutional violations in the amended law.
In a statement, Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, spokesperson for the Board, said:
“Though the Supreme Court stayed a few provisions, it has ignored several serious constitutional concerns. This partial relief has left the community deeply disappointed.”
He further noted that key provisions, perceived by many as arbitrary and damaging to religious freedom, remain in effect, raising fears of misuse.
Key Reliefs Granted by the Supreme Court:
- Protection of Property Rights
The court ruled that Waqf properties cannot be altered or evicted based on administrative decisions until a final verdict is issued. It stayed the clause that required a government officer’s report to validate Waqf ownership. - Curb on Arbitrary Powers
The implementation of Section 3C was halted. This section had allowed government officers to unilaterally decide who is eligible to create Waqf — a move seen as excessive state interference. - Separation of Powers
The bench emphasized that revenue officers cannot be empowered to determine ownership of disputed properties, as doing so violates the principle of separation of powers. - Non-Muslim Representation in Waqf Bodies
The court directed that no more than four non-Muslim members can be part of the Central Waqf Council, and no more than three in State Waqf Boards, to respect the religious nature of these institutions. - Five-Year Muslim Practice Clause Stayed
The controversial requirement that only individuals who have been practicing Islam for five years can dedicate Waqf property has been suspended — at least until the government formulates clear rules on how such criteria would be enforced.
AIMPLB Demands Full Rollback
Despite these interim reliefs, the AIMPLB maintains its demand for a complete repeal of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 and restoration of the original law.
Dr. Ilyas said the Act represents a deliberate attempt to weaken and seize Waqf properties, adding:
“Sections like the abolition of ‘Waqf by User’ and the mandatory requirement of written Waqf deeds go against fundamental Islamic principles. The court’s refusal to stay the entire Act leaves these damaging clauses active.”
Nationwide ‘Save Waqf’ Campaign Intensifies
The Board announced that its ‘Save Waqf’ campaign will continue with full force.
The second phase of this campaign began on September 1, 2025, and includes:
- Peaceful protests and dharnas
- Waqf marches and public memoranda
- Leadership-led symbolic arrests
- Roundtable discussions and interfaith conferences
- Press briefings and awareness drives
The campaign will culminate in a massive national rally on November 16, 2025, at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, expected to witness participation from across the country.
Conclusion:
The AIMPLB’s response reflects the growing unease within the Muslim community over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. While the Supreme Court’s interim relief was a welcome step for some, legal experts and religious leaders alike insist that the path to justice remains incomplete until the Act is fully reviewed and amended or scrapped altogether.
