Waqf Act: Centre files affidavit in Supreme Court, seeks dismissal of pleas challenging validity

The government on Friday said it would oppose any stay, partial or complete, on implementation of the new Waqf laws while challenges to it are being heard by the Supreme Court.

In a submission this afternoon, the government argued that in such cases it is a settled position in law that courts do not have authority to stay statutory provisions, either directly or indirectly.

"There is a presumption of constitutionality that applies to laws made by Parliament and an interim stay is against the principle of balance of powers," it said, "The law has been made on the recommendations of a Joint Parliamentary Committee... followed by an extensive debate in both Houses of Parliament."