SC Issues Notice to Uttarakhand Govt Over Demolition of Dehradun Dargah Despite Assurances on Waqf Act, 2025

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 14th May: The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday sought a formal response from the Uttarakhand government in a contempt plea that accuses state authorities of illegally demolishing a Waqf-registered Dargah in Dehradun, despite clear interim protections and assurances issued under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

A bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih issued notice to the state government in response to a contempt application filed within a batch of petitions already challenging the constitutional validity of the 2025 Waqf amendments.

The plea alleges that the Hazrat Kamal Shah Dargah, registered under Waqf Property No. 55 in Dehradun and mapped in the Waqf Asset Management System of India (WAMSI) under ID No. UKDD0055, was demolished in the early hours of April 25 without any notice, legal process, or opportunity for hearing.

“This action is in blatant violation of the top court’s interim order and the solemn assurance provided by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that no Waqf properties would be de-notified or altered while the constitutional challenge to the amended law remains pending,” the petition stated.

The Supreme Court had earlier recorded the Union Government’s assurance that the contentious provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 — particularly those enabling de-notification of waqf lands and appointment of non-Muslim members to Waqf Boards — would not be enforced until the court had fully heard the matter.

Taking serious note of the allegations, the bench observed that the alleged demolition, if proven, would directly contravene the Centre’s recorded undertaking, meriting a detailed explanation from the Uttarakhand authorities.

The contempt plea will be taken up alongside the main batch of petitions challenging the amended Waqf law, with the next hearing scheduled for May 15. The bench will be led by Justice B.R. Gavai, who is set to be sworn in as the Chief Justice of India on Wednesday, adding further weight to the impending proceedings.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 has been under intense legal and political scrutiny for enabling state and central authorities to de-notify Waqf properties, change Waqf Board compositions, and include non-Muslim members — triggering widespread concern among Muslim organizations and civil rights groups.

The present contempt petition underscores the tension between executive action at the state level and the Supreme Court’s interim protections, making the outcome of the May 15 hearing potentially pivotal in determining the law’s fate and the sanctity of court assurances.