The AIMPLB reiterates its demand that the controversial law must be repealed in its entirety
NEW DELHI – The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), one of the main petitioners against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, has expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s interim judgment on the law, calling it “incomplete and unsatisfactory.” The Board reiterated its demand that the controversial law must be repealed in its entirety.
Reacting to the judgement delivered on Monday, Board spokesperson Dr SQR Ilyas said the apex court had granted only partial relief by staying a few provisions of the amendment, while leaving several “arbitrary” clauses untouched. “The community expected a stay on all provisions that violate the Constitution. The order does not address wider constitutional concerns,” he said.
The court has stayed provisions that allowed officials to decide ownership of waqf properties, barred revenue officers from determining title, restricted the number of non-Muslim members on waqf councils and boards, and suspended the rule requiring a person to prove he had been a practicing Muslim for five years to create a waqf.
However, the AIMPLB said several harmful provisions remain, such as the proposed de-recognition of “waqf by user” and the compulsory requirement of a waqf deed. It reiterated its demand for the complete repeal of the amendment and restoration of the previous Waqf Act.
The final decision is yet to come, but the way in prejudiced manner the government functionaries work; the community feels that those provisions not stayed at this stage shall be abused, Dr Ilyas warned.
The Board, however, maintains that the entire amendment is a deliberate move to weaken and seize waqf properties. “It, therefore, demands the complete repeal of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 and the restoration of the earlier Waqf Act. The refusal to stay the entire Act leaves numerous other harmful provisions in operation, including the prospective de-recognition of ‘Waqf by user’ and the mandatory requirement of a Waqf deed, which goes against the established tenets of Islamic law.
He also announced that the Board’s “Save Waqf” campaign would continue. The second phase, launched on September 1, includes dharnas, marches, and interfaith meetings, culminating in a massive rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 16.
