India’s Supreme Court on Monday indicated the likelihood of granting an interim order on the de-notification of Waqf land, as the bench flagged concern regarding the membership of non-Muslims on Waqf boards and the risk of communal violence over the issue.
The court raised questions regarding how lands that were traditionally registered under Waqf (Islamic endowments) should be re-designated or de-notified without thorough legal examination. The judges also raised an eyebrow at the presence of non-Muslim members on state Waqf boards, raising questions regarding the legality and transparency of such appointments.
The Court highlighted the sensitivity of the situation, cautioning that any impulsive administrative action would inflame tensions and upset social harmony. “This is not a matter of law alone, but one involving sensitive community feelings,” said one of the judges.
Legal analysts predict the Court will soon order a status quo directive to stop further de-notifications pending a full constitutional hearing. The case has generated nationwide interest, with civil rights organizations and religious groups following it closely.
