The Central Government has firmly defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, asserting that laws passed by Parliament carry a presumption of constitutionality and cannot be stayed outright. This statement was made in response to petitions challenging the validity of the amended law.
In a detailed 1,332-page affidavit, the Centre noted that over 20 lakh hectares of land have been added to Waqf properties since 2013. The government also highlighted concerns about alleged encroachments on private and government land under the guise of Waqf properties.
The Centre urged the apex court to dismiss the petitions, stating that the constitutionality of a law can only be reviewed at the stage of the final judgment. It also clarified that the amendment does not infringe on the fundamental right to religious freedom and was passed by Parliament after thorough legislative scrutiny.
