18 April 2025 Current Affairs

Supreme Court Hearing on Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

The Supreme Court on April 16, 2025, heard petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The Chief Justice of India suggested a possible interim order, but the Centre sought more time and objected to any such directive without a hearing. The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on April 17, 2025, at 2 PM.

Key Developments:

• Tentative Order on Waqf Properties: The CJI proposed an interim order preventing de-notification of waqf properties, including "waqf by user", which the Centre opposed, seeking a full hearing.
• Question of Inclusion in Religious Trusts: The Supreme Court asked if Muslims could be allowed to be members of Hindu religious endowments, sparking a debate on religious parity and administrative control.
• Concerns Over Violence: The CJI raised concerns over violence related to the Act’s implementation, calling it "very disturbing".
• Parliamentary Passage of the Bill: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed in Lok Sabha (288–232) on April 3 and in Rajya Sabha (128–95) on April 4.
• Political & Community Response: Congress MP Mohammad Jawed expressed faith in the judiciary, while AIMPLB and other Muslim groups continue to monitor the developments closely.

Waqf Act (with 2024 Amendment)

1. Original Waqf Act (1995):

• Established a legal framework for the administration of waqf properties, which are endowments made by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes.

2. Purpose of Waqf Properties:

• These properties are meant for the welfare of the community, including mosques, schools, graveyards, and aid to the poor.

3. Role of Waqf Boards:

• Central and State Waqf Boards were constituted to manage, protect, and oversee waqf assets across the country.

4. 2024 Amendment Highlights:

• Increased Central Oversight: More regulatory power given to the Centre.
• Scrutiny of Waqf Claims: Changes to processes involving waqf by user (properties considered waqf due to customary usage).
• Tightened Provisions: Aimed at reducing misuse or encroachment of waqf properties.

5. Current Legal Challenge:

• The Amendment has triggered legal and political debates regarding religious autonomy, property rights, and state intervention in religious institutions.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumption

The Government of India is in advanced talks with Chinese authorities to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has been suspended since 2019 due to COVID-19 and subsequent border tensions. Officials are hopeful for a breakthrough before the selection of pilgrims begins in May 2025.

Key Highlights:

1. Resumption Talks in Final Stages:

• Bilateral discussions between India and China have intensified. Officials expect an agreement soon to restart the Yatra, traditionally held between June and September.

2. Preparations Underway in India:

• The MEA has called a coordination meeting on April 21, and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam is preparing infrastructure. A new plan will allow pilgrims to travel by special transport from Dharchula to Lipulekh, avoiding a 80–100 km trek.

3. Increased Costs for Pilgrims:

• Yatra expenses will be significantly higher due to revised transportation and accommodation rates by both India and China, as compared to rates six years ago.

4. Past Disruptions and Route Info:

The Yatra was halted post-2019, first due to COVID-19 and later due to LAC tensions after the Galwan clash in 2020. The two official routes are:

• Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand, since 1981)
• Nathu La Pass (Sikkim, since 2015)

5. Diplomatic Push at Multiple Levels:

• Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar raised the issue with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at G20 Brazil summit.
• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s January 2025 visit to Beijing also focused on the Yatra.
• The matter was even discussed at the 33rd WMCC meet (March 25, 2025), showing high diplomatic priority.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

1. What is it?

• A Hindu pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

2. Organising Authorities:

• Coordinated by India's Ministry of External Affairs, with help from Home Ministry, ITBP, state governments (Delhi, Uttarakhand, Sikkim), and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam.

3. Significance:

• Mount Kailash is considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religion. Lake Mansarovar symbolizes purity.

4. Selection Process:

• Pilgrims are usually chosen through a computerized lottery in early May each year.

5. Route & Logistics:

• Pilgrimage involves high-altitude travel, complex logistics, and cross-border coordination with China.

Supreme Court Order in Kancha Gachibowli Forest Case

In a significant environmental protection move, the Supreme Court on April 16, 2025, slammed the Telangana government for unauthorized deforestation of 100 acres in the Kancha Gachibowli area. The court has halted all further tree-felling and ordered urgent steps for ecological restoration.

Key Developments:

1. Immediate Halt on Tree Felling:

• A bench led by Justices B.R. Gavai and A.G. Masih ordered that not a single additional tree should be cut. It directed the Wildlife Warden to take immediate protective steps for the affected wildlife.

2. Strong Remarks from the Bench:

• Justice Gavai warned that State officials might be imprisoned on-site if deforestation is justified. He emphasized that “high-rises cannot exist with deer” and stressed on restoring the forest.

3. Court vs. State Argument:

• The Telangana government claimed that the land wasn't officially recorded as forest and that developmental activities were bona fide. The court, however, questioned the haste in bulldozing 100 acres in 3 days, despite the pending legal process.

4. Violation of Earlier SC Order:

• The deforestation violates the Supreme Court’s March 4, 2025 order, which banned any activity that depletes forest cover. The court had mandated that States identify forests within one month and submit consolidated records within six months.

5. Environmental Significance of the Land:

Petitioners, including University of Hyderabad students and conservationists, argued the land is ecologically critical:

• Home to rare flora and fauna
• Hosts ancient mushroom rock formations (2 billion years old)
• A crucial catchment zone for Hyderabad’s drinking water supply

Key Legal & Ecological Facts for Reference

1. Kancha Gachibowli Area:

• Located near University of Hyderabad
• Contains biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and ancient rock formations
• Claimed as forest under Forest Conservation Act, 1980

2. Supreme Court Order (March 4, 2025):

• Prohibited depletion of forests without following due process
• Mandated expert committees and forest land identification under Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023
• Imposed personal liability on Chief Secretaries for violations

3. Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023:

• Rule 16(1) requires States/UTs to identify forest lands
• Enforces strong regulatory oversight and environmental safeguards

Justice B.R. Gavai – 52nd Chief Justice of India (Designate)

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the current Chief Justice of India, has recommended Justice B.R. Gavai as his successor. Once the government approves, Justice Gavai will become the 52nd CJI of India.

Key Details:

1. Date of Elevation & Tenure:

• Elevated to Supreme Court on May 24, 2019
• Will take over as CJI on May 14, 2025, after CJI Khanna retires on May 13, 2025
• Will serve until November 23, 2025

2. Judicial Background:

• From Amravati, Maharashtra
• Practised in Constitutional and Administrative Law at the Nagpur Bench of Bombay HC
• Appointed Additional Judge of Bombay HC: Nov 14, 2003
• Became Permanent Judge: Nov 12, 2005

3. Landmark Judgments:

• Upheld Demonetisation (2023): Part of the majority verdict validating 2016 currency ban.
• Sub-categorisation of SCs (2024): Advocated applying the creamy layer principle to SCs/STs to promote real equality.
• Abrogation of Article 370: Part of Constitution Bench that upheld removal of J&K’s special status.
• Struck Down Electoral Bonds Scheme: On the grounds of transparency and accountability in political funding.
• On Bulldozer Justice (2024): Ruled that demolishing property without due process violates rule of law.

4. Notable Quote:

• “Only this [excluding the creamy layer from SC/ST benefits] can achieve the real equality as enshrined under the Constitution.”

5. Significance of Appointment:

• Justice Gavai will be the second Dalit CJI in India's history (after K.G. Balakrishnan).
• Brings a diverse and socially inclusive perspective to the apex judiciary.

Key Facts for Reference

• Name: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai
• Hometown: Amravati, Maharashtra
• First Dalit CJI since: K.G. Balakrishnan
• Age of Retirement for SC Judges: 65 years
• Will be CJI from – to: May 14, 2025 – November 23, 2025
• Landmark Verdicts: Demonetisation, Art. 370, Electoral Bonds, Bulldozer Demolition, Sub-categorisation of SCs.

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