The Rajasthan government, led by the BJP, has approached the Supreme Court seeking to defend the recent amendments to the Waqf Act, which have come under legal challenge. Several petitions—including one filed by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi—are scheduled for hearing before the apex court on Wednesday.

Speaking to NDTV, the state's Additional Advocate General, Shiv Mangal Sharma, said, “Rajasthan has substantial Waqf properties. After due deliberation, the state has decided to intervene, requesting that no decision be taken without affording it a proper hearing.”

Sources indicate that other states may also follow suit and file similar applications to present their positions before the court.

In its plea, the Rajasthan government asserted that it holds a "direct, substantial, and legally protectable interest" in the matter, as it is the primary authority responsible for the administration and regulation of Waqf properties within the state.

Defending the amended provisions, the state described the changes as “transparent and constitutionally sound reforms” aimed at preventing the arbitrary inclusion of government and private lands under Waqf. According to the state, such practices have hindered public development and delayed key infrastructure projects.

One of the central features of the amended law is the introduction of a mandatory public notice and objection mechanism prior to designating any land as Waqf property—a measure the state believes will bring greater accountability.

The Rajasthan government further noted that the legislation was supported unanimously by the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which had considered the opinions of over 284 stakeholders, including Waqf Boards, state governments, and legal experts.

Addressing the concerns raised in the petitions, the state maintained that the amended law neither infringes on the constitutional right to religious freedom nor violates the principles of equality under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution