Dr. G. Mohan Gopal, founder-chairperson of the Sree Narayana Manava Dharmam Trust, has expressed grave concerns regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. He cautions that if the Act remains in force, it could severely jeopardize the existence and operations of mosques, madrasas, and other Muslim institutions, potentially threatening the practice of Islam in India within the next two decades., reported the Madhyamam.
The Act introduces significant changes to the management of Waqf properties:
Inclusion of Non-Muslims in Waqf Boards: The Act mandates the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, which traditionally have been managed exclusively by Muslims. This shift raises concerns about the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions.
Increased Government Oversight: The Act grants government officials enhanced authority over Waqf properties, including the power to adjudicate disputes and validate land holdings. Critics argue this could lead to the confiscation of historic mosques and properties.
Abolition of ‘Waqf by User’: The Act removes the provision that allowed properties used for religious or charitable purposes over time to be recognized as Waqf, even without formal documentation. This change threatens numerous longstanding institutions lacking official records.
These amendments have sparked widespread protests and legal challenges, with many viewing them as an infringement on the rights of the Muslim community and a potential threat to religious freedom in India.
