All India Muslim Personal Law Board Announces Nationwide Protest Against Waqf Amendment Bill
New Delhi, 29 January (Press Note): The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and various Muslim religious and social organizations have strongly condemned the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, calling it extremely unfortunate and harmful for the country.
Muslim leaders stated that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has violated democratic and ethical values, disregarding the constitutional rights of Muslims. They criticized the committee for ignoring the opinions, emotions, and concerns of millions of people and rejecting opposition members’ suggestions before recommending the bill’s approval. According to them, this decision is irrational, undemocratic, and an attack on Muslim rights.
The AIMPLB emphasized that the UCC law in Uttarakhand is unconstitutional, undemocratic, and infringes on citizens’ fundamental rights. They asserted that such a law is unacceptable, as the Indian Constitution grants all citizens, including Muslims, the right to practice their religious beliefs and follow their teachings. Muslim Personal Law is an inseparable part of Islam and is protected under the Shariat Application Act of 1937.
Furthermore, the board argued that no state has the authority to implement a Uniform Civil Code, as this exceeds the legal boundaries of state jurisdiction. During a recent meeting in Bangalore, AIMPLB decided to challenge the Uttarakhand UCC in court.
Strong Opposition to UCC and Waqf Amendment Bill by Muslim Organizations
In July last year, representatives of Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Dalits, and Adivasis held a joint press conference, making it clear that they reject the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) at any cost. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and other Muslim organizations have urged the people of Uttarakhand and other affected citizens not to be intimidated by threats and to stand firm in protecting their religious and traditional laws. They assured that opposition to UCC will continue at all levels within democratic limits.
Rejection of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024
The AIMPLB and various Muslim organizations have repeatedly stated that they will not allow the government to interfere with Waqf properties. The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 has been completely rejected by the Indian Muslim community. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has been accused of violating parliamentary rules and democratic values by disregarding all opposition and pushing the bill forward without proper consultation.
Muslim organizations had officially presented their objections to the JPC both in writing and in person. Additionally, millions of emails were sent by Muslims across India opposing the bill. The AIMPLB alone initiated an email campaign where 3.66 crore emails were sent, while other Muslim organizations also contributed to the protest with several million more emails. These records are well-documented.
Call for Action Against the Bill
During the AIMPLB’s Bangalore meeting, all major Muslim organizations agreed that they would not allow anyone to seize or destroy religious sites and Waqf properties. They warned the government not to test the patience of Muslims or push the country towards authoritarianism instead of democracy.
They condemned the attempts to take over minority properties, calling it an act of injustice that no fair-minded group could support. AIMPLB also criticized NDA’s allied parties for failing to oppose the BJP’s communal agenda. They urged secular opposition parties to strongly resist the bill in Parliament if it is introduced.
The AIMPLB demanded that the government withdraw the amendment bill and retain the existing law. If this demand is ignored, Muslims will have no choice but to launch a nationwide movement, and the government will be responsible for the consequences.
Nationwide Protest Plan
To protect Waqf properties, all constitutional and democratic means will be used, including a nationwide protest movement. The AIMPLB has stated that if necessary, they will take to the streets and even face imprisonment in defense of their rights.
Signatories of the Statement
- Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani – President of the Board
- Maulana Syed Arshad Madani – Vice President of the Board & President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind
- Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi – Vice President of the Board
- Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mahdi Salafi – Vice President of the Board & President of Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith
- Syed Saadatullah Husaini – Vice President of the Board & Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind
- Maulana Muhammad Ali Mohsin Taqvi – Vice President of the Board
- Maulana Muhammad Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi – General Secretary of the Board
- Maulana Syed Mahmood Asad Madani – President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind & Executive Member of the Board
- Maulana Muhammad Umrain Mahfooz Rahmani – Secretary of the Board
- Dr. Yasin Ali Badaiyuni Usmani – Secretary of the Board
- Maulana Syed Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi – Secretary of the Board
- Yusuf Hatim Muchhala – Senior Advocate, Executive Member of the Board & Convener of the Legal Committee
- Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas – Spokesperson & Executive Member of the Board
