Following Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers, protests erupted across multiple Indian cities as members of the Muslim community voiced strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act. From Kolkata to Hyderabad, Mumbai to Jaipur, demonstrators gathered under the leadership of Muslim organisations and civil society groups, denouncing the Union government’s move as unconstitutional and discriminatory.
In Kolkata, students of Aliah University marched to Park Circus, brandishing placards that read “Constitutional rights cannot be denied.” A similar protest unfolded in Siliguri, where demonstrators criticised the proposed amendments, expressing fears of marginalisation.
Mumbai’s Byculla witnessed a silent protest outside Chishti Hindustani Masjid, where worshippers tied black armbands around their arms during prayers and held placards denouncing the Act. AIMIM leader Waris Pathan also joined the protest, which remained peaceful but firm in its message.
In Hyderabad, protests erupted near Makkah Masjid and Jama Masjid Darulshifa, with demonstrators calling for an immediate repeal of the controversial law. Protesters claimed the Act threatens the autonomy and sanctity of Waqf institutions across India.
Jaipur too saw significant mobilization in Shastri Nagar, where Muslims gathered wearing black headbands and holding placards opposing the legislation. Protesters described the Act as a threat to Waqf properties and an attempt to usurp Muslim endowments. One protester stated, “We are protesting against the law as it is meant to usurp the property which belongs to the Waqf.”
This Jaipur protest came after prominent Muslim organisations in Rajasthan declared their full support for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB)’s nationwide protest and awareness campaign against the Waqf Act. Running from April 10 to July 7, the campaign aims to mobilise public opinion and raise awareness about what community leaders describe as a “legal assault” on Muslim heritage and endowments.
Protests also continued in Lucknow, Patna, and Srinagar, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) staged a demonstration stating that the Act is unacceptable to Muslims. In Manipur, thousands marched through Imphal’s Mantripukhri and Hatta Golapati, demanding the repeal of the law and condemning the BJP-led government.
Bhopal had already witnessed large-scale protests on Thursday, led by Congress MLA Arif Masood, adding to the growing chorus of dissent.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, which came into effect on April 8 after presidential assent, has drawn sharp criticism nationwide. Several petitions challenging the Act are now pending before the Supreme Court, which is set to hear the matter on April 16.
