Waqf Amendments Face Kerala’s Pushback

The Kerala government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The state argues that the recent changes infringe on the rights of Kerala’s large Muslim population to independently manage religious institutions and properties.

In its plea, the state said that many provisions of the amended Act are unjust and potentially unconstitutional. It expressed concern that the new law could centralize control of waqf properties, sidelining community participation and weakening local oversight.

Kerala’s legal filing highlights that a significant portion of its population comprises Muslims, many of whom have voiced deep concerns over the possible consequences of the amendment on their waqf institutions.

The petition invokes Article 26 of the Constitution, which guarantees every religious denomination the right to manage its own affairs in matters of religion. Kerala maintains that the amended law threatens this right and violates the principle of religious autonomy.

Recent protests in cities like Kochi have reflected growing public opposition to the law, with community members holding demonstrations and waving the national flag to voice their disapproval. Critics argue that the amendments were pushed through without proper consultation with stakeholders such as state governments and waqf boards.

While the Union government has defended the move as a step towards transparency and better regulation of waqf assets, Kerala insists that the Act disrupts the federal balance and undermines minority rights.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the matter soon, with broader implications for religious freedom and the governance of charitable endowments across India.