New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to hear multiple petitions today challenging the recently amended Waqf law, a legislation that governs the management of Muslim charitable properties. The law, passed earlier this month by Parliament, has sparked widespread debate and protests across the country.

Here are 10 key takeaways from the unfolding legal and political storm:

  1. Hearing Today: A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Vishwanathan, will begin hearing the petitions at 2 PM.

  2. Fundamental Rights in Question: Petitioners argue that the law violates fundamental rights like the right to equality (Article 14) and the freedom to practice religion (Article 25).

  3. Wide Range of Petitioners: Those challenging the law include leaders from Congress, JD(U), AAP, DMK, and CPI, along with NGOs such as Jamiat Ulema Hind and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.

  4. Support from BJP-Ruled States: Six states — Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand — have backed the amendment and filed to be heard in support.

  5. Unconstitutional and Arbitrary? Some petitions are calling for the law to be struck down entirely, labelling it discriminatory against Muslims.

  6. Owaisi’s Objection: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi claims the amended law removes key protections for Waqf properties and is discriminatory when compared to safeguards for other religious groups.

  7. AAP’s Argument: AAP leader Amanatullah Khan has opposed the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, calling it a violation of Article 14.

  8. Government’s Stand: The Centre insists the law targets property mismanagement, not religion, and is meant to ensure benefits reach poor Muslims, especially women and children.

  9. Drafted with Consultation: The government maintains that the bill followed extensive consultation and includes recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee.

  10. Protests Turn Violent: Opposition and public outrage led to protests in several regions. West Bengal witnessed the worst unrest, where three people died, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has refused to implement the law.

The Supreme Court’s verdict will have far-reaching implications not only for religious institutions but also for how minority rights and religious property laws are interpreted in India.

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