Supreme Court Schedules Waqf Amendment Act Challenge for January 21, 2027

The Supreme Court of India has scheduled January 21, 2027, for hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. On November 3, 2026, a Bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice P.B. Varale directed the parties to complete their pleadings by December 31, 2026.

During the proceedings, the Court permitted applicants whose interlocutory applications had earlier been treated as such to file independent writ petitions within two weeks. The applicants must serve copies of their petitions on the nodal counsel, who has been directed to compile the judgments relied upon by the petitioners.

The Court also directed the Additional Solicitor General to respond to the written submissions filed in the matter. The nodal counsel informed the Bench that five lead petitions had previously been identified, while approximately 135 other petitions had been converted into interlocutory applications.

Background of the Constitutional Challenge

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, has faced multiple constitutional challenges concerning its provisions governing Waqf properties, their administration, the eligibility of individuals creating Waqf and the composition of Waqf bodies.

The petitioners have raised concerns regarding the compatibility of various provisions with fundamental rights and constitutional protections, including Articles 14, 19, 21, 25 and 26 of the Constitution of India.

In September 2025, the Supreme Court declined to stay the entire amended legislation but ordered interim protection against the operation of certain provisions. These included the requirement of demonstrating at least five years of practising Islam for creating Waqf, pending the framing of appropriate rules, and certain provisions concerning the determination of Waqf property status.

What Happens Next?

The latest directions allow the pleadings and written submissions to be completed before the matter proceeds to its next hearing. The constitutional validity of the challenged provisions remains to be determined.

The Supreme Court's forthcoming hearing will be significant in determining the legal questions surrounding the amended Waqf legislation, property administration and constitutional rights.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI), ThePrint, and Supreme Court proceedings dated November 3, 2026.