All India Muslim Personal Law Board to Protest Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on March 17

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called for a protest on March 17 at Delhi’s Janta Mantar against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024.

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Addressing a press conference here today, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, spokesperson of the AIMPLB, said that the government wants to create division between Hindus and Muslims and desires unrest in the country.

“There have been continuous protests happening in various places, and press conferences are being held. We were supposed to hold a protest on March 13, but that day is Holi. On that day, the MPs will not be able to attend. Therefore, now we will hold a massive protest at Jantar Mantar on 17th March 2025,” he said.

“People from all communities who supported us have been invited to this protest. Many MPs have also been invited to this protest. The BJP always spreads hatred, but at least we expect that their allied parties will not support the BJP in this decision,” Ilyas added.

The AIMPLB spokesperson further highlighted that every endowment in the country has the same protection as the Waqf.

“To say that Waqf has special protection is wrong. The clause on ‘Waqf by user’ in this bill pertains to properties like mosques, dargahs, and burial grounds, which are not registered but are being used by Waqf as Waqf properties. Due to this, all unregistered properties will go,” he said.

Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, General Secretary of the Board said that they tried to convince the government in every possible way, through all democratic means but their concerns were not heard.

“Now, we have no option but to go on a protest. The government wants to impose this amendment on us at any cost. We do not want the situation to worsen, but you (the government) want conflicts in every street and neighborhood, especially over mosques and cemeteries.

We want to see a developed India, but in these circumstances, our dream cannot come true. This amendment is against the country. The government has misled our innocent Hindu brothers as well,” Mujaddidi said.

He also emphasized that Muslims want development, but in these conditions, it will not be possible.

“We want to tell the government clearly to change its attitude. We are firm on our protest,” he emphasized.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday criticised the handling of the Waqf Amendment Bill and alleged that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) process failed to uphold democratic norms.

Jairam Ramesh accused the committee of bypassing a clause-by-clause discussion and ignoring dissenting voices from opposition MPs and alleged that the Waqf Amendment Bill was “bulldozed” through the JPC.

The Joint Committee of Parliament (JPC) report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was tabled in Parliament on February 13 amid uproar.

The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI)

Introduction of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB)

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is a non-governmental organization in India that represents the interests of the Muslim community concerning personal laws. Established on April 7, 1972, in Hyderabad, the AIMPLB aims to protect and promote the application of Islamic personal laws among Indian Muslims. These laws encompass matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other personal affairs governed by Sharia (Islamic law).

The formation of the AIMPLB was driven by concerns within the Muslim community about potential governmental interference in their personal laws and the possible imposition of a Uniform Civil Code. The Board functions as a consultative body, providing guidance and opinions on issues related to Muslim personal law. It comprises scholars, legal experts, and representatives from various Islamic organizations across India. Although the AIMPLB does not possess legal authority to enforce its decisions, it holds significant influence within the Muslim community.

Throughout its history, the AIMPLB has been actively involved in various significant cases and debates. Notably, it played a central role in the Shah Bano case of 1985, where it opposed granting maintenance to a divorced Muslim woman, arguing that it would violate Islamic personal law. This case sparked widespread controversy and led to debates about the role of Islamic law in India. In response, the government passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act in 1986, which overturned the Supreme Court’s decision in the Shah Bano case and restricted the payment of maintenance to a limited period after divorce.
The AIMPLB has consistently opposed attempts to introduce a Uniform Civil Code, advocating for the preservation of Muslim personal laws. In 2018, the Board proposed the establishment of Sharia courts, known as Darul Qaza, in every district of India to offer Muslims an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. However, this proposal sparked controversy, with critics raising concerns about potential conflicts with the Indian legal system and human rights issues.

The Board’s leadership includes prominent figures such as President Khalid Saifullah Rahmani and General Secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi. The AIMPLB continues to play a significant role in shaping the discourse on Muslim personal law in India, striving to balance religious traditions with contemporary legal and social challenges.

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