Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 20: The Supreme Court is set to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) on Monday, April 21, demanding a judicial probe into the violent protests that broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
According to the apex court's causelist, the matter will be taken up by a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh.
The PIL, filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, seeks the formation of a five-member judicial enquiry commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge. The petition urges the West Bengal government to file a status report on the violence, which saw significant unrest including loss of life, property damage, and disruption of essential services.
Violence had erupted in districts like Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas during protests against the controversial Waqf Amendment, with reports of stone-pelting, injuries to police personnel, and imposition of prohibitory orders. Internet services were suspended in several areas, and train operations were affected as demonstrators blocked tracks.
The PIL also calls on the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to issue an advisory to all state Chief Secretaries, urging strict action against hate and provocative speeches made by political leaders.
The petition alleged that political parties were exploiting religious sentiments for electoral gains. “Instead of restoring calm, certain leaders deliver provocative speeches from the safety of high security, inflaming the already volatile situation,” it said.
Earlier, on April 17, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna had voiced concern over the violent turn of events, stating, “Once the matter is before the court, it (violence) should not happen.”
In a related development, the Centre on Thursday assured the court that no fresh appointments would be made to Waqf Boards or the Central Waqf Council under the new Act until further notice. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also confirmed that the status of existing Waqf properties, including those recognized by usage, would remain unchanged during the pendency of the case.