The AIMPLB reaffirms that Muslim Personal Law is an integral part of Islam and is protected by the Shariat Application Act of 1937
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and several other religious and national organisations have strongly criticised the approval of the Waqf Amendment Bill by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, calling the moves “extremely regrettable” and a “violation” of democratic and constitutional principles.
In a joint statement, Muslim leaders expressed their deep concern over the developments, accusing the JPC of disregarding democratic values and the constitutional rights of Muslims. The board noted that the committee ignored the views, feelings, and sentiments of millions of Muslims and rejected the recommendations of opposition members. It described the approval of the Waqf Amendment Bill as “unreasonable,” “undemocratic,” and an infringement on the rights of the Muslim community.
The board further condemned the UCC law passed in Uttarakhand, calling it “undemocratic,” “unconstitutional,” and a violation of the fundamental rights of citizens. The statement emphasised that the constitution guarantees all citizens, including Muslims, the freedom to practice their religion and follow its teachings. The AIMPLB reaffirmed that Muslim Personal Law is an integral part of Islam and is protected by the Shariat Application Act of 1937.
National organisations have also expressed their disapproval, asserting that no state has the authority to impose a uniform civil code and that such actions infringe on state boundaries. The AIMPLB at a meeting in Bengaluru, decided to challenge the UCC law in Uttarakhand in court.
In their statement, the Muslim leaders reminded that in July last year, a broad coalition of communities — Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Dalits, and tribal groups — held a joint press conference where they unanimously rejected the UCC. They urged Muslims and other citizens in Uttarakhand to remain steadfast in defending their religious and traditional laws, promising to oppose such measures at all levels.
The AIMPLB and other Muslim organisations also expressed their strong opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating that Muslims will not allow the government to tamper with Waqf properties. The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 was completely rejected by the Muslim community, who believe that the JPC failed to respect parliamentary rules and procedures. The Board claimed that millions of Muslims had voiced their opposition by sending emails to the committee, including 36.6 million emails through the board’s initiative, as well as several million more through other Muslim organisations.
The AIMPLB emphasised that they would never allow anyone to seize or destroy places of worship or Waqf properties. They warned the government not to test the patience of Muslims, stating that such actions were unjust and would not be tolerated. The AIMPLB lamented that the NDA allies had failed to oppose the BJP’s communal agenda, urging secular opposition parties to strongly resist the bill if presented in Parliament.
The Muslim organisations have called for the withdrawal of the amendment bill and the restoration of the previous law. They warned that if the bill is not withdrawn, Muslims will have no choice but to engage in a public struggle, with the government being held accountable for any resulting unrest. The organisations declared their intent to use all democratic and constitutional means to protect Waqf properties, including through protests, and expressed their willingness to take to the streets or face imprisonment in the fight for their rights.
