New Delhi : A group of Delhi University law students were reportedly detained by police for staging a protest against the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act, sparking concerns over the suppression of democratic expression on campus, reported the Hindustan Times.
A video that has gone viral shows a female student confronting a police officer, alleging bias. “The ABVP gets VIP treatment, but when we raise legitimate concerns about the Waqf Amendment Act, we’re silenced. Why is the police here in full force to stop us?” she questioned.
In the footage, she further challenges the legality of police presence on university grounds: “Who gave you permission to stop us from protesting? How did you enter the campus? Are we doing anything illegal or unconstitutional? Has freedom of thought also been amended now?”
This protest coincides with the ongoing legal scrutiny of the Waqf Act in the Supreme Court. On Wednesday, the apex court heard petitions questioning the validity of the Act. The bench raised concerns about the exclusivity of the Waqf Boards, particularly after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta claimed many Muslims did not wish to be governed by the Act.
In a sharp response, the court asked, “Are you suggesting that Muslims will now be allowed on Hindu religious trusts? Say it clearly.” The bench also noted that current regulations mandate all Waqf Board members—excluding ex-officio roles—must be Muslims and announced it would resume hearing on April 17 at 2 pm.
The matter continues to evoke strong responses from students, legal experts, and the public, making it a politically sensitive issue in the current climate.
