Understanding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, introduces significant changes to the management and oversight of Waqf properties—charitable endowments in Islamic law. Key provisions include the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards and increased governmental oversight of these properties. Proponents of the bill, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), argue that these changes aim to enhance transparency and reduce corruption in the management of Waqf assets.
However, critics contend that the amendments infringe upon the religious and constitutional rights of Muslims. They express concerns that the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards could lead to mismanagement or appropriation of Waqf properties, many of which hold significant religious and cultural importance.
AIMPLB's Response and Nationwide Protests
In response to the enactment of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the AIMPLB has launched a nationwide protest campaign under the banner "Save Waqf, Save the Constitution." The campaign aims to mobilize public opinion against the legislation and seeks its repeal.
Protests have been organized in major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Vijayawada, Malappuram, Patna, Ranchi, Malerkotla, and Lucknow. These demonstrations involve sit-ins, rallies, and the submission of memorandums to the Home Minister and the President of India.
Legal Challenges and Supreme Court Involvement
The AIMPLB has also initiated legal action against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The Supreme Court of India has taken cognizance of the matter, directing the central government to submit its response within seven days. The court has also ordered a temporary halt to new appointments in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards and has mandated that the status of Waqf properties remain unchanged until the next hearing.
Diverse Reactions and Political Implications
The legislation has elicited varied responses from different quarters. While the AIMPLB and several Muslim organizations view the amendments as discriminatory, some groups, such as the Dawoodi Bohra community, have expressed support, stating that the reforms fulfill long-standing demands.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, have criticized the bill, labeling it as an attack on minority rights and accusing the government of using the guise of reform to target Muslim institutions.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, has become a flashpoint in India's socio-political landscape, highlighting the tensions between legislative reforms and minority rights. As protests continue and legal battles unfold, the nation watches closely to see how this contentious issue will be resolved.