Muslim Law Board Stages Protest At Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over Waqf Bill
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called for a protest in Delhi today, March 17, 2025, against the upcoming Waqf Amendment Bill 2025. The AIMPLB and other Muslim organizations are reportedly concerned about the proposed legislation, which they believe will curb the powers of the Waqf Board, an organization that manages properties donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes.
The protest is scheduled to take place at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, with participants expected to come from various parts of the country. The timing of the protest coincides with the holy month of Ramadan.
According to a spokesperson for the AIMPLB, Qasim Rasool Ilyas, the community feels it has no other option but to protest the bill. He drew a parallel to the farmers’ protests against agricultural laws, which eventually led to the government withdrawing the legislation.
The article highlights strong reactions from some individuals and groups opposing the bill. It mentions threats of violence and comparisons to the Shaheen Bagh protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The report suggests that some protesters are planning to carry the Indian tricolor during the demonstration.
The article also points out that there are differing opinions within the Muslim community regarding the Waqf Bill, with some believing that the amendments are necessary. It mentions that when some opponents of the bill in Bhopal were questioned about the specifics of the amendments, they were unable to provide details.
The report raises questions about whether the planned protest is a genuine expression of concern or if there is an attempt to incite unrest. It notes that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) prepared its report on the Waqf Bill after discussions with experts, and the Parliament is now set to legislate on the matter. The article concludes by questioning whether there is a conspiracy to spread anarchy under the guise of a protest.
What is the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025?
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 is a legislative proposal currently under consideration by the Indian Parliament, following discussions by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The bill seeks to introduce reforms to the functioning of the Waqf Board, an entity responsible for managing Waqf properties (land or assets donated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law). Critics of the Waqf Board, as implied in the article, accuse it of land grabbing and operating with unchecked authority. The proposed amendments aim to curb its powers, which has sparked significant controversy among certain Muslim groups.