Demonstrators in Bhopal demand withdrawal of the state government's decision; Congress MLA Arif Masood says the matter will be challenged in the Supreme Court
BHOPAL — Several Muslim organisations in Madhya Pradesh have stepped up their opposition to the reconstitution of the state Waqf Board after the appointment of non-Muslim members, a move that has triggered protests, political criticism and the prospect of a legal challenge in the Supreme Court.
The controversy centres on the Madhya Pradesh government’s recent decision to reconstitute the Waqf Board under the provisions of the Waqf Act, 1995, as amended in 2025. The newly constituted board includes non-Muslim members, a development that Muslim groups say has hurt the sentiments of the community and raised serious concerns about the management of Muslim religious endowments.
In Bhopal, members of the All India Muslim Tyohar Committee gathered at Budhwara Square to protest against the decision. Demonstrators demanded that the state government withdraw the appointments and reconsider the composition of the board.
The issue has attracted significant attention because critics claim it marks the first time that non-Muslim members have been appointed to a state Waqf Board in India. Protesters argued that Waqf institutions are closely linked to the religious and charitable affairs of the Muslim community and therefore should remain under Muslim management.
Speaking during the demonstration, Shamshul Hasan, patron of the committee, said the organisation strongly opposed the appointments.
“Waqf is a religious and social institution of the Muslim community where people dedicate their property for the pleasure of Allah and for charitable purposes. The appointment of non-Muslim members in the management of the Waqf Board is not appropriate. Our committee is protesting against these appointments,” he said.
The protest reflected growing concern among sections of the Muslim community, who argue that Waqf properties are created through donations made specifically for religious, charitable and welfare activities connected to the community. They contend that decisions relating to the administration of such properties should remain in the hands of those familiar with their religious and legal character.
Congress MLA Arif Masood also criticised the move and announced plans to challenge it in the Supreme Court.
Masood noted that issues relating to the Waqf Act are already under consideration before the country’s highest court and argued that the state government should have waited for a final judicial ruling before proceeding with the appointments.
“The matter related to the Waqf Act is already pending before the Supreme Court. In such a situation, the formation of a new Waqf Board and the inclusion of non-Muslim members is not appropriate,” he said.
He further alleged that while provisions reportedly contemplated the inclusion of two non-Muslim members, the newly constituted board includes three.
“This goes against the spirit of the Waqf Act. Such a decision, taken while the matter is pending before the court, raises several legal questions. We will approach the Supreme Court and challenge both the constitution of the Waqf Board and the appointment of its members,” Masood said.
He added that no such appointments should have been made until the Supreme Court delivered its final judgment on issues connected with the amended law.
The dispute has emerged against the backdrop of a wider national debate surrounding amendments to Waqf legislation introduced by the central government. Supporters of the amendments argue that the changes are intended to improve administration, transparency and oversight of Waqf properties. However, several Muslim organisations and opposition leaders have expressed concerns about aspects of the law and have questioned whether some of its provisions affect the traditional autonomy of Waqf institutions.
According to official records, the Waqf (Amendment) Act was passed by Parliament in April 2025 following lengthy debates in both Houses. The legislation subsequently received presidential assent and came into force. Later, the central government issued the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Rules, 2025, providing the framework for implementation across the country.
The Madhya Pradesh government’s reconstitution of the Waqf Board has now become one of the first major state-level controversies linked to the amended law.
A Waqf Board is a statutory body responsible for overseeing and managing Waqf properties donated by Muslims for religious, charitable and social welfare purposes. Such properties may include mosques, graveyards, dargahs, schools, orphanages and other institutions established for community benefit.
The state government has not publicly responded to the latest protest demands. However, with Muslim organisations continuing their opposition and legal action now being planned, the matter appears set to move from the streets to the courts in the coming weeks.
The final legal position on the appointments may ultimately depend on future judicial proceedings, including any challenge that is filed before the Supreme Court.
