Urgent Notices Issued Against 24 for Wear Black Badges Against Controversial Waqf Bill in Muzaffarnagar, UP
Uttar Pradesh Authorities Crack Down on Protesters of Waqf Amendment Bill
In a move deemed controversial by many, authorities in Muzaffarnagar district have issued notices against 24 individuals who allegedly protested against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 by wearing black badges. The bill, tabled by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, seeks to improve the functioning of Waqf properties, address complexities, ensure transparency, and introduce technology-driven management. According to Superintendent of Police (City) Satyanarayan Prajapat, 24 people were served notices after being identified through CCTV footage, and were asked to furnish bonds of Rs 2 lakh each.
Those who received notices claimed they wore black badges as a peaceful form of protest. The move comes days after the bill was passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with 288 and 128 members voting in favor of the legislation, respectively. The opposition has been criticized by proponents of the bill, who assert it is necessary to improve the management of Waqf properties and address concerns around transparency and accountability. Critics, on the other hand, argue the bill is an attempt to muzzle the religious freedoms of Muslim communities.
According to reports, the protesters were identified after footage captured during last Friday’s prayers at mosques in Muzaffarnagar showed individuals wearing black badges in solidarity with their concerns over the bill. The notice, issued by City Magistrate Vikas Kashyap, ordered the individuals to appear before the court on April 16 and furnish bonds of Rs 2 lakh each.
The development has sparked concerns over restrictions on peaceful protest and the erosion of democratic freedoms in the country. The situation has also led to accusations of targeting Muslim communities, with critics arguing the move is aimed at silencing opposition to the bill. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has maintained that the legislation is not intended to harm Muslim religious sentiments, but rather to improve the functioning of Waqf properties.
As the controversy surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill continues to unfold, many are left wondering if the crackdown on protesters signals a worrying trend in the country’s political landscape.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/waqf-bill-protest-up-muzaffarnagar-black-badges-9926299/
Category : Cities,Lucknow
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Publish Date: 2025-04-05 11:58:00
