Bhopal — Congress MLA Arif Masood has vowed to continue the protests against the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, stating that the Muslim community will never accept the controversial law, reported the Times of India.
Speaking at a large public gathering in Bhopal, Masood, who represents the Madhya assembly constituency, declared, “This law has not been brought to protect Waqf properties, but to target the Muslim community. The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has consistently opposed this Act and will continue to do so at every level.”
Masood alleged that the BJP-led government has forcefully imposed the Waqf (Amendment) Act upon Muslims and reiterated that the protests will not cease until the central government repeals the law.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 was passed by both houses of Parliament and received presidential assent from Droupadi Murmu on April 5, becoming law with effect from April 8.
Over a dozen petitions—including those filed by AIMPLB, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, and several political leaders—have been submitted to the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Act. The petitioners argue that the law unfairly singles out Muslim endowments and imposes discriminatory restrictions not applicable to other religious trusts.
A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna is scheduled to hear the matter on April 16. Meanwhile, the Centre has filed a caveat to ensure no orders are issued without its representation.
Countering Masood’s claims, BJP MLA and minister Vishwas Sarang stated that the Act has been welcomed by the broader Muslim population. He accused certain Muslim leaders of opposing the Act only to safeguard their personal interests, particularly in cases of alleged illegal encroachments on Waqf land.
