Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha protests amendments to Waqf Law

By A Representative

The Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha (JJM), a forum of social activists and organizations, has strongly opposed the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. In a statement, the JJM argued that the law infringes upon the religious autonomy and community rights of Muslims, undermining constitutional principles and social harmony.
The JJM cited constitutional articles guaranteeing religious freedom, equality before the law, and non-discrimination based on religion. They contended that the amended Waqf law violates these provisions and contradicts Supreme Court rulings. The organization highlighted that while Waqf laws exist for Muslim charitable endowments, similar laws govern Hindu religious trusts with management solely by Hindus.
The JJM criticized the removal of the "Waqf by user" provision, which previously recognized long-used properties without formal documentation as Waqf land, a provision they noted exists in Hindu religious endowment acts. They also raised concerns over granting local administration the authority to survey, investigate, and decide the status of Waqf properties, and allowing encroachers to claim ownership with decisions made by local administration. The JJM suggested these changes, viewed in the context of Hindutva politics, could facilitate the appropriation of Waqf properties and the creation of disputes over mosques.
Furthermore, the JJM objected to the new criteria for who can make a Waqf (requiring at least 5 years of practicing Islam) and how much they can donate, stating that no such rules exist for other religions. The inclusion of a significant number of non-Muslim members in central Waqf boards and councils was also criticized as an infringement on the religious and cultural autonomy of the Muslim community, contrasting with the composition of management bodies of other religions.
The JJM stated that the central government did not consult Muslim citizens or opposition parties before passing the law and ignored significant objections in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) recommendations. They also accused the government of spreading misinformation regarding the law's provisions, such as women's participation in Waqf boards, which they claim was already present in a 2013 amendment.
The JJM asserted that the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, is part of an agenda to establish a Hindu Rashtra and systematically undermine the rights of Muslims. They called for the law's annulment and urged a broad and transparent consultation with the community for any changes related to the management of Waqf properties. The JJM appealed to citizens, social organizations, and secular political parties to unite against the law and called on the Jharkhand government to pass a resolution against it in the state assembly.
The Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha is a platform of social activists and 30 people's organizations formed in August 2018 to organize and strengthen struggles against attacks on people's rights and democracy in the state.

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