Home > Recent Judgements > Supreme Court Issues Notice to Uttarakhand Government Officials Over Alleged Contempt in Waqf Property Demolition
May 13, 2025
Supreme Court Issues Notice to Uttarakhand Government Officials Over Alleged Contempt in Waqf Property Demolition
The Supreme Court of India issued a notice to officials of the Uttarakhand Government in response to a contempt petition alleging the demolition of a registered Waqf property. The petition contends that this action violated a statement made by the Union Government on April 17, 2025, assuring the Court that no Waqf property’s character or status would be altered until the next hearing in the matter concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Background
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, enacted on April 5, 2025, introduced significant changes to the management and administration of Waqf properties in India. The Act, among other provisions, removed the concept of “waqf by user,” which had been recognized by the Supreme Court in the Ramjanmabhumi-Babri Masjid judgment. This removal has raised concerns about the potential vulnerability of numerous historical Waqf properties, particularly those established through oral dedication or without formal deeds.
In response to petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Act, the Supreme Court, on April 17, 2025, directed the Union Government to file a consolidated reply within one week and ordered that no Waqf property—whether registered, unregistered, or waqf by user—be denotified, altered, or interfered with until the next hearing. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, assured the Court that no Waqf property would be denotified and no appointments would be made to the Central Waqf Council or State Waqf Boards until May 5, 2025.
Allegations and Contempt Petition
The contempt petition alleges that despite the Union Government’s assurance, a registered Waqf property in Uttarakhand was demolished, thereby violating the Court’s directive. The petitioners contend that this action undermines the authority of the Supreme Court and disregards the Union Government’s commitment to uphold the status quo of Waqf properties pending the outcome of the ongoing case.
Legal Implications
The issuance of a notice by the Supreme Court signifies the seriousness with which it views the alleged contemptuous act. If the allegations are substantiated, the Uttarakhand Government officials could face legal consequences for violating the Court’s order. This development underscores the importance of adhering to judicial directives and the potential repercussions of non-compliance.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s intervention in this matter highlights the ongoing legal and administrative challenges surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. As the case progresses, it will be crucial to monitor the Court’s rulings and the government’s response to ensure the protection of Waqf properties and the rights of the communities they serve.
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