Jaipur Bureau Report – The recently proposed amendments to the Waqf Act have sparked a wave of protests across the country, uniting Muslim organizations, scholars, and community leaders under a common cause. From Jaipur to Delhi, voices have grown louder against what they describe as an “unjust and discriminatory” attempt to dilute the powers of the Waqf boards and undermine constitutional protections.
In Jaipur, a significant gathering was held this week at the Gold Crown Banquet Hall, bringing together prominent figures from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, and several other organizations. The meeting was part of the ongoing campaign “Waqf Bachao, Samvidhan Bachao” (Save Waqf, Save the Constitution), which has been gaining momentum in cities and towns nationwide.
“Governments that do not value justice find it hard to survive,” remarked Maulana Fazlurrahim Mujaddidi, General Secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, addressing the audience. Drawing from historical parallels, he noted that oppressive regimes, whether during the Mughal decline or colonial rule, could not sustain themselves indefinitely. “Zulm aur zyadti zyada der tak nahi chalti,” he said firmly, urging the community to resist the bill through lawful and peaceful means.
Speakers at the event expressed deep concerns over proposed changes to sections 14, 15, 25, 26, and 32 of the Act, which they claim would erode the independence of Waqf institutions and make them more vulnerable to government interference.
Dr. Qasim Rasool Ilyas, a senior member of the Muslim Personal Law Board, described the amendments as “fundamentally biased” and a direct threat to the community’s rights. “The Waqf system has existed for centuries, serving as a backbone for religious, educational, and charitable activities. Weakening it is an injustice not only to Muslims but to the principles of pluralism enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.
The gathering also saw participation from legal experts, social activists, and representatives of civil society, all emphasizing the need for public awareness and collective action. Pamphlets explaining the implications of the bill were distributed, and a roadmap for further protests, petitions, and legal challenges was discussed.
While the government maintains that the amendments are aimed at “streamlining and modernizing” Waqf management, critics argue that the provisions are drafted without adequate consultation with stakeholders, and risk alienating an entire community.
The “Waqf Bachao, Samvidhan Bachao” campaign is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with planned seminars, awareness camps, and public meetings in multiple states. Organizers say the movement will continue until the government withdraws the proposed changes.
As the meeting concluded, Maulana Mujaddidi reminded attendees of a timeless truth: “Justice strengthens a nation, but injustice eats away at its foundation. For the good of all, rulers must choose justice.”
