CJI Sanjiv Khanna recuses himself from waqf case, abstains from ruling on interim stay of 2025 law

CJI Sanjiv Khanna Steps Away from Waqf Case, Delays Crucial Decision on 2025 Law

In a surprising turn of events, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna withdrew from a high-stakes case involving the Waqf Board and the controversial 2025 property law, moments before the Supreme Court was to consider pausing the legislation's implementation. The unexpected recusal, announced without detailed explanation at the start of Tuesday's hearing, has temporarily stalled proceedings in a matter that could reshape property rights across the country.  

The case centers on legal challenges to the Waqf Properties (Amendment) Act, 2025, which opponents claim gives Waqf boards unprecedented authority over disputed lands. Hindu organizations and individual landowners had urgently petitioned the court to block the law before its scheduled enforcement next month, arguing it could lead to widespread property disputes.  

Justice Khanna's sudden departure from the bench—where he sat alongside Justice Dipankar Datta—has sparked intense speculation within legal circles. While the CJI didn't specify his reasons, courtroom observers suggest potential conflicts of interest may have prompted his decision. The case will now be reassigned, delaying what many had hoped would be a swift resolution to the heated controversy.  

The postponement has drawn mixed reactions. "Every day without judicial review puts vulnerable property owners at risk," argued senior counsel Harish Salve, representing one of the petitioners. Meanwhile, Waqf Board officials maintain the law is essential for protecting Islamic endowments from illegal occupation. Legal experts note the recusal demonstrates the judiciary's commitment to impartiality, even as it prolongs an already tense standoff.  

The coming weeks will prove critical as court administrators work to convene a new bench. With the law's implementation deadline looming, the delay leaves thousands of property cases in legal limbo and ensures this complex intersection of religious administration and property rights will remain at the forefront of India's judicial agenda.