On April 16, 2025, the Supreme Court began hearings on 72 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna raised concerns over how properties like the Delhi High Court building and the Oberoi Hotel were classified as Waqf land. The bench questioned whether the matter should first be heard by a high court. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued the law infringes on Islamic inheritance rights, especially criticizing Section 3(C) which alters government land classifications previously recognized as Waqf. (PC: ANI)  

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is set to take oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, following the retirement of incumbent CJI Sanjiv Khanna on May 13. Justice Gavai, who will serve a six-month tenure until November 2025, will be the second Dalit CJI after Justice KG Balakrishnan. His nomination has been formally forwarded by CJI Khanna to the Union Law Ministry. Justice Gavai has played a key role in several landmark rulings, including the demonetisation verdict and the scrapping of the electoral bonds scheme. He began his legal career in 1985 and joined the Supreme Court in 2019. (PC: PTI)

The Supreme Court began hearing 73 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing petitioners, questioned, “How can the state decide whether I’m Muslim enough to create Waqf?” He also criticized a provision requiring five years of Islamic practice to qualify, saying, “That’s unconstitutional.” CJI Sanjiv Khanna clarified, “We are not hearing arguments on staying the Waqf Act at this stage.” He noted concerns over land disputes, saying, “I was told even the Delhi High Court stands on Waqf property.” The Court will also consider if the matter should go to High Courts. (PC: India Today)        

On April 16, 2025, the Supreme Court of India will examine 73 petitions questioning the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The petitioners argue that the amended law infringes on citizens' fundamental rights, particularly property rights, and unfairly targets the Muslim community by enabling unchecked state control over Waqf properties. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna will preside over the hearings. The Centre maintains that the amendments ensure transparency and better governance. The case has sparked national debate over religious freedom, minority rights, and government authority. (PC: PTI)

The India Justice Report 2025 highlights the dominance of southern states in policing, judiciary, prisons, and legal aid. Karnataka tops the list among 18 large and mid-sized states, being the only one to meet police and judiciary quotas. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu complete the top five. Telangana made a significant leap from 11th to 3rd. West Bengal fell to last place, while Bihar saw the worst police-to-population ratio. Among small states, Sikkim led, and Goa ranked lowest. The report calls for urgent reforms, noting rising undertrial numbers and stagnant police ratios, urging systemic change and societal pressure.

Authorities in Ayodhya are on high alert after the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust received an email threatening a bomb attack on the Ram Mandir. An FIR was filed at the local cyber police station by trust official Mahesh Kumar. Security was intensified across Ayodhya, Barabanki, and nearby areas, with a thorough search operation conducted. The cyber cell has launched a full investigation into the source of the threat. With the Ram Mandir drawing over 135 million visitors in 2024, surpassing even the Taj Mahal, police have ramped up surveillance and patrolling to ensure public safety.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala briefly halted operations to allow a centuries-old Hindu temple procession to pass through its runway. As part of the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple’s Painkuni festival, ornate chariots and decorated elephants traversed a 2km runway stretch. This rare tradition dates back to 1932, when the Travancore royal family built the airport. Now managed by Adani Group, the airport coordinates closures twice a year for these events, rescheduling flights and enhancing security. It’s one of the few airports globally that pauses for religious rites, blending sacred heritage with modern aviation. (PC: BBC)

Violent protests erupted in West Bengal and Assam over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, altering management of Muslim charitable properties. In Murshidabad, clashes led to three deaths, including a Hindu father and son, and a 17-year-old boy. Protesters set ablaze malls, vehicles, and attacked homes. Over 500 residents fled to Malda district. Fresh violence occurred in South 24 Parganas. Authorities imposed prohibitory orders, suspended internet, and deployed troops following a court directive. More than 200 arrests were made. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged peaceful protests, while BJP accused her party of appeasement. The Waqf law, passed by Parliament, has been criticized for targeting Muslims, though the government claims it aims for reform. (PC: BBC & Maktoob Media)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is closely monitoring the recent violence in West Bengal, with sources indicating that preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of Bangladeshi infiltrators. The MHA is particularly concerned about the potential role of these infiltrators in destabilizing the region. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Border Security Force (BSF) of facilitating the entry of infiltrators, alleging a central government blueprint behind these actions. She has directed the state's Director General of Police to investigate the matter and plans to write a strongly worded letter to the Centre. The situation has escalated tensions between the state and central governments, with both sides exchanging serious allegations. (PC: Deccan Herald & Mathrubhumi)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized the public's right to protest peacefully but condemned the recent violent demonstrations against the Citizenship Amendment Act. She urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands and warned that vandalism of public and private property would be met with strict legal action. Banerjee accused the BJP of orchestrating the unrest by bringing in outsiders to incite violence. She reiterated that the amended Citizenship Act and the proposed nationwide NRC would not be implemented in the state. The Chief Minister's appeal for calm was met with criticism from opposition parties, who accused her government of failing to control the situation. (PC: India Today)