Earlier, the Kerala High Court had ordered the Board to function under the supervision of a joint secretary, effectively pausing major decisions. The SC bench, led by CJI Surya Kant, called that move unnecessary. It scrapped the 'supervision' clause but allowed the joint secretary to remain as a member; not a boss. Why does this matter? Because Waqf Boards handle centuries-old religious endowments, land, and assets that affect thousands. Any attempt to control them; even temporarily; impacts governance, community trust, and legal precedent. The Court also reminded the High Court to decide the case fairly and swiftly, after giving all parties a chance to respond. What’s next? The Kerala HC will now examine whether the Board’s current composition; lacking two non-Muslim members as mandated; is lawful. Until then, the Board is free to work; without sitting under a government officer’s watch. A small tweak, big signal: autonomy matters, even in sensitive institutions.