AIMPLB Vows to Continue Peaceful Struggle Until Complete Rollback of Waqf Amendments
EC News Desk
April 18, Mumbai — The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Mumbai Chapter, held a crowded press conference at Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh to register its opposition against the controversial Waqf Amendment Act 2025. The conference was marked by the presence of prominent office-bearers of the Board, scholars from all schools of thought, and non-Muslim intellectuals.
Key Speakers: The speakers included AIMPLB General Secretary Maulana Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi; Vice Presidents Maulana Obaidullah Azmi and Syed Sadatullah Hussaini; National Spokesperson Syed Ilyas Qasim Rasool; Maharashtra Convenor Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Khan Daryabadi; Professor Monisa Bushra Abidi; Shia scholar Maulana Ruh-e-Zafar; Maulana Abdus Salam Salafi; as well as public intellectuals Shyam Kowade and Vivek Kode.
Verdict on Supreme Court Ruling: Commenting on the Supreme Court’s April 17 verdict, the speakers clarified that out of the 44 amendments made to the Waqf Act, the Court has only placed a temporary stay on two. They asserted that the peaceful resistance, under the leadership of the AIMPLB, would persist until all the amendments are withdrawn.
Condemnation of Selective Violence: Responding to a question on the recent Bengal violence, AIMPLB’s spokesperson condemned all forms of violence and pointed out that provocations—such as brandishing swords in front of mosques and acts of stone-pelting—must be equally condemned.
Complete Rejection of the Amendments: The speakers unequivocally rejected the Waqf Amendment Act, terming it arbitrary, discriminatory, and an attack on the constitutional and fundamental rights of India’s largest minority. They emphasized that the amendments violate Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee the freedom of religion, practice, propagation, and the right to manage religious affairs.
The new law, according to the Board, reflects a clear attempt by the government to gain absolute control over Muslim religious endowments and deny the Muslim community the right to manage their own Waqf properties. The amendments regarding the selection of members to the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, as well as the imposition of a five-year ‘practicing Muslim’ condition on donors (waqifs), were cited as examples of this overreach. These were described as unconstitutional, discriminatory, and in conflict with Islamic principles.
Inequality and Discrimination Highlighted: They further noted that the rights and protections granted to other religious groups—Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and Buddhists—have been deliberately withheld from Muslims through these amendments, which contravenes Article 14 of the Constitution that upholds the right to equality.
Ignored Representations and Nationwide Opposition: The Board also pointed out that despite strong oral and written representations made to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) by various religious organizations, intellectuals, and civil society, including 50 million emails sent by Indian Muslims rejecting the amendments, the government proceeded to pass the Bill in disregard of parliamentary and democratic principles.
Next Steps – Legal and Public Mobilization: The AIMPLB declared that while the matter has been challenged legally in the Supreme Court, a public campaign is also being launched. A detailed three-month peaceful resistance plan has been outlined and will be implemented with full strength and sincerity. The Maharashtra state committee has formulated a state-wide program, which will include participation from minority religious groups, political leaders, and civil society members. The movement will remain peaceful and within constitutional bounds.
On the Upcoming Bihar Elections: In response to questions regarding the upcoming elections in Bihar, AIMPLB clarified that it is a religious organization and does not engage in politics or support any political party. However, those who support justice and the rights of minorities will naturally earn the community’s support.
