Udupi, Karnataka : Following a nationwide call by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), members of the Muslim community in Udupi held a human chain protest on Friday after the congregational prayers, voicing strong opposition to the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, as per a report by the ETV Bharat.
The protest was jointly organised by Udupi Jamia Masjid and Anjuman Masjid, drawing large participation from local Muslims. Demonstrators stood in unity, forming human chains near the mosques while holding placards reading: “Defend Waqf, Defend Deen,” “Stop Politicising Waqf,” and “India Rejects Waqf Amendment Act.”
Similar demonstrations were held in several other areas including Brahmagiri, Nayar Kere, Kolambe, Nejar, and Hoode, highlighting the growing dissent among Muslims across coastal Karnataka.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025—seeking to make key changes to the original Waqf Act of 1995—was passed earlier this week amid fierce debate in both Houses of Parliament. It was cleared in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in favour and 232 against, and later approved in the Rajya Sabha by a margin of 128 to 95.
The legislation has triggered widespread protests across India. Many Muslim organisations and political parties allege that the amendments are unconstitutional and violate religious freedoms guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution. They argue that the new law grants the Union government sweeping powers to control Waqf properties, thereby marginalising the Muslim community from managing their own religious endowments.
Multiple petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Act have already been filed in the Supreme Court. Petitioners include political parties such as Congress, AIMIM, IUML, DMK, CPI, CPM, Aam Aadmi Party, YSRCP, and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam led by actor Vijay. Civil rights and religious bodies including Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, All India Muslim Personal Law Board, and the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) have also joined the legal challenge.
Protesters have vowed to continue their resistance until the Act is repealed or amended in consultation with stakeholders from the Muslim community.
