"Misconception is being spread": Sanjay Nirupam on SC order over Waqf Act

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 18 (ANI): Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam on Friday clarified that the Supreme Court has not stayed the Waqf Amendment Act, contrary to widespread misconception, adding that the SC has instead raised questions about the Act's implications, particularly regarding the composition of religious boards.
"A misconception is being spread that the Supreme Court has stayed the Waqf Amendment Act...," he said.
Nirupam said that the Supreme Court has asked whether non-Hindus can be part of Hindu endowment boards, drawing parallels with the Waqf Board's statutory status.
Nirupam emphasised that the Waqf Board, as a statutory body, cannot be compared directly to temple trusts, highlighting the distinct nature of these institutions.

Nirupam asserted that the Waqf Amendment Act does not violate the right to religious freedom for any particular religion, and the changes aim to address specific issues within the Waqf Board's functioning.
"The question that the Supreme Court is asking the centre is whether non-Hindus will be part of the Hindu endowment boards? The trust of the temple and the Waqf Board cannot be parallel to each other, as the Waqf Board is a statutory body...Waqf board is different from temples and mosques and we will prove that through the Waqf Amendment Act, the right to religious freedom of a particular religion is not being violated," he added.
Earlier on Thursday, the SC took note of the Solicitor General's assurance that no appointments to the Waqf Board or Council will be made until the next hearing. The court also stated that existing Waqf properties, including those registered by the user or declared through notification, will not be identified.
The Solicitor General said that the Waqf Act is a considered piece of legislation and that the Centre has received a large number of representations regarding the classification of land as Waqf. He added that staying the entire Act would be a severe step and sought one week to submit a reply.
The Supreme Court stated that it had earlier noted some aspects of the legislation as positive and reiterated that there can be no complete stay of the Act at this stage. The court also said that it does not want the current status to be altered while the matter is under its consideration.
The bench reiterated that the objective is to maintain the existing situation without changes while the matter remains under judicial review.
Several petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the Act, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violated their fundamental rights.
President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on April 5, following its passage by Parliament after heated debates in both Houses. (ANI)