Muslim Personal Law Board Postpones 'Bharat Bandh' Against Waqf Act
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has postponed its planned nationwide protest, or 'Bharat Bandh', against the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. The protest, scheduled for October 3, was deferred due to an overlap with religious festivals of other communities. The AIMPLB clarified that while the bandh is on hold, its broader protest movement against the controversial legislation will continue, and a new date for the nationwide strike will be announced soon.
Unpacked:
Key changes include renaming the Act to UMEED, adding non-Muslim members to Waqf Boards, removing 'Waqf by user' for future properties, abolishing Section 40, separating trusts from Waqfs, requiring a five-year practice of Islam to dedicate property, and ensuring inheritance rights for women and children before property is declared Waqf.
Critics argue that the Act increases government control over Waqf properties, undermines Muslim community autonomy, imposes discriminatory requirements, and dilutes the distinct religious character of Waqf trusts. They claim it reduces Muslims’ rights in managing their own religious endowments and challenges established Islamic legal principles.
The AIMPLB is a non-governmental organization that represents Muslim interests on personal law and religious matters in India. It organizes public responses to legislation affecting Muslims, such as leading protests and advocating community concerns about laws like the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025.
Waqf properties have long served religious, charitable, and community functions for Indian Muslims. Since the Waqf Act, 1995 and its amendments, these inalienable endowments have been governed by statutory boards to ensure their use for religious and welfare purposes, with community autonomy being a key principle until recent reforms.