Passage:

In January 2025, the Indian Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, introducing significant changes to the management of Waqf properties. Key provisions include the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards and the empowerment of district collectors to adjudicate disputes over Waqf properties. Proponents argue that these amendments aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the administration of Waqf assets. However, critics contend that the Act undermines the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions and infringes upon minority rights. Several petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Act have been filed in the Supreme Court, with hearings scheduled for May 15, 2025.

Q1.What is a significant change introduced by the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025?

Q2. Who has been empowered to adjudicate disputes over Waqf properties under the new amendment?

Q3. What is the primary objective cited by the government for introducing the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025?

Q4. Which constitutional articles are cited by critics as being potentially violated by the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025?

Q5. What action has the Supreme Court taken regarding the petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025?

Q6 . Under which constitutional provision do religious denominations have the right to manage their own affairs in matters of religion?

Q7 . Which fundamental right ensures equality before the law and equal protection of the laws within the territory of India?

Q8. The inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards is seen by critics as a violation of which constitutional right?

Q9. What is the significance of Article 30 in the context of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025?

Q10. Which constitutional article prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth?

Q11. How might the empowerment of district collectors over Waqf properties affect the autonomy of Waqf Boards?

Q12 What could be a potential consequence of including non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards?

Q13.Why do critics argue that the Act could lead to the loss of Waqf properties?

Q14 . How does the Act aim to address corruption in the management of Waqf properties?

Q15. What is a potential risk of the government's increased oversight of Waqf properties?

Q16.How might the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, affect the secular fabric of the Indian Constitution?

Q17. If the Supreme Court strikes down the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on grounds of violating Article 26, it would be an example of:

Q18. What impact might the Act have on India’s international human rights image?

Q19. What democratic remedy is available to citizens who oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Act?

Q20  Which of the following is a legitimate constitutional concern raised by critics of the Act?