New Delhi, May 20:
The Solicitor General of India has stated that the concept of Waqf is secular in nature and not exclusive to any one religion, highlighting that the practice of dedicating property for religious or charitable purposes exists across all major faiths.
In a significant legal observation, the Solicitor General argued that Waqf should not be viewed through a purely religious lens. He emphasized that the act of donating property for public, religious, or charitable use is a centuries-old tradition found in Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, and other religions, not just Islam.
The statement came during a hearing involving the legal framework surrounding Waqf properties in India. The Solicitor General underlined the need to approach such matters from a constitutional and secular perspective, respecting the pluralistic fabric of the country.
This stance is likely to influence ongoing debates over the management and regulation of religious endowments in India, potentially reshaping how Waqf properties are perceived and administered within a multi-faith society.