Strong Reaction from All India Muslim Personal Law Board Officials on the Presentation of the Wakf Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha
New Delhi, 13 February – (DeccanLive.com): The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly condemned the presentation of the Wakf Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha, calling it unacceptable and undemocratic. They emphasized that the ruling party and its allies have ignored the views of Indian Muslims and opposition members in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), pushing forward a proposal that undermines the interests of Muslims, especially regarding the ownership of religious and communal land.
The AIMPLB expressed disappointment that despite the opposition from nearly 50 million Muslims, religious and educational organizations, and intellectuals who had sent detailed emails and joined the JPC to protest against the bill, their concerns were overlooked. The board believes the government should withdraw the bill, which they argue would harm the properties of mosques, schools, graveyards, and other religious institutions, and is against the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with All, Development for All).
The board also criticized the government’s biased and discriminatory approach in dealing with Muslim issues, arguing that this bill is not only harmful to Muslims but also against constitutional values and protections. They urged opposition parties and their allies not to allow the bill to pass in Parliament. Additionally, they called upon civil society, democracy supporters, and citizens who believe in religious and cultural diversity to resist the bill.
The AIMPLB also raised concerns about the recently implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, calling it an unlawful, unnecessary, and discriminatory move that goes against religious diversity. They made it clear that such laws should not be enforced by state governments, as the Indian Constitution grants this power solely to the central government under Article 44. The board vowed to challenge the UCC in court and campaign against it with the support of various religious groups.
Finally, the AIMPLB assured Muslims in Uttarakhand that they should remain committed to Sharia law and continue to practice their faith with patience and perseverance despite these challenges.
The press conference was addressed by prominent leaders from the AIMPLB, including Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani (President), Maulana Syed Arshad Madani (Vice President), Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi (Vice President), Maulana Muhammad Ali Mohsin Taqvi (Vice President), Maulana Muhammad Fazalur Rahim Mujaddidi (General Secretary), and Malik Muntasim Khan (Deputy Amir, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind).
