New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday delivered its interim verdict on petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, refusing to stay the entire law while suspending the operation of three provisions. The court observed that laws can be stayed only in the rarest of cases.
The bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih clarified that there is no prohibition on appointing non-Muslim members to Waqf Boards, though ex-officio members should, as far as possible, be Muslims.
Earlier, on May 22, the court had reserved its order after three days of hearing. Petitioners, including AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, argued that the law infringed upon the rights of Muslims and sought an interim stay.
The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, defended the law, while senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Rajiv Dhawan appeared for the petitioners.
