Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Controversial Waqf Amendment Act

The Supreme Court is currently hearing a challenge to the Waqf Amendment Act, with the Centre defending its decision to allow non-Muslims on waqf boards.

Centre Argues Waqf Not an Essential Religious Practice

Yesterday, the Centre presented its arguments, stating that waqf, a system of religious endowments in Islam, is not an essential religious practice. They emphasized that waqf boards perform primarily secular functions, managing properties and distributing funds for charitable purposes. Therefore, the Centre argued, the addition of two non-Muslims to these boards would not significantly impact their operations.

Challenge to the Amendment Act

This case has garnered significant attention as it delves into the complex relationship between religion, state, and representation. The Waqf Amendment Act, passed in 2022, has been met with both support and criticism, with some arguing that it promotes inclusivity while others express concerns about potential interference in religious affairs.