Ulama-O-Huffaz holds protest against Waqf Act in Mysuru

Mysuru: Exactly a month after the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed in the Lok Sabha on April 3, about 10,000 people joined a massive protest rally against it at the Eidgah Ground in Tilak Nagar of Mysuru city, on Saturday.

The rally, organised by Ulama-O-Huffaz of Mysuru district, under the aegis of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), was led by Usman Sharieff, Sir Qaazi of Mysuru, and presided over by Tajuddin, justice, Shariah Court, Daarul Uloom Siddiqia, Mysuru. Ulamas of different sects, scholars, and members of organisations participated.

Usman Sharieff and Tajuddin said, "We stand shoulder strong in the legal battle, with the AIMPLB, against the amendments. We demand the Central government to withdraw the amendments. We are committed to uphold the law and the Constitution and expect the same in return from those entrusted with governance".

They said, "Since the issue is pending before the Supreme Court, we request the Union government to refrain from acting on this Act until the matter is disposed of completely".

In a memorandum to the Central government presented to Mysuru DC G Lakshmikanth Reddy, Sharieff and Tajuddin have stated, "The amendment appears to be in contravention to the Constitution. It poses a serious threat to the autonomy of the Muslim community in administering their religious affairs and properties. The changes interfere with Shariah (Islamic law). With these amendments, the government seems to take control of the management and administration of Auqaf (Islamic charitable endowments) and to destroy Muslim endowments. The amendments contradict the fundamental rights as enshrined under Articles 25 (guarantees right to freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion) and 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs) of the Constitution. They are centralising control, limiting the community's say in Waqf administration".

They added, "The Waqf properties, donated for religious, educational and charitable purposes have been administered by the community with reverence and responsibility. Any attempt to dilute this undermines not only the trust of the community, but also violates the secular ethos and pluralistic framework enshrined in the Constitution".

Karnataka Exhibition Authority Chairman Ayub Khan claimed that the latest Waqf amendment is unconstitutional. "It is against the secular principles of the country. It is prejudiced and done with mala fide political intention. It is forced on Muslim community. It will have a negative impact on Waqf properties and it might lead to conflicts," he said.

MLA Tanveer Sait, SDPI State President Abdul Majeed, members of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha like Hoskote Basavaraj, Badagalpura Nagendra; Karnataka Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jaagrutha Vedike president K S Shivaram; and Urilinga Peddi Mutt seer Jnanaprakash Swami joined. They had put up a flex condemning Pahalgam terrorists attack.