JIH President Calls Waqf Amendment Act An Assault On Religious Freedom & Constitutional Values

In a scathing critique, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) President Syed Sadatullah Husaini condemned the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act 2025, calling it a ‘dark chapter for minority rights in India’.

Speaking at the Jamaat’s monthly press conference in Delhi, he said the legislation represents a direct violation of religious freedom and is a step backward for India’s secular democracy.

Husaini argued that the Act introduces sweeping changes to the Waqf Act of 1995 and opens the door to extensive state interference in the management of Waqf properties.

“The Act violates Articles 14, 25, 26, and 29 of the Constitution. It imposes unjustified controls over Muslim religious endowments while falsely citing mismanagement as justification,” he said.

Flawed Logic & False Comparisons

Husaini rejected claims made during the parliamentary debate that likened Waqf Boards to the Charity Commissioner, highlighting that many states already have religion-specific laws for Hindu and Sikh endowments.

“Instead of addressing actual problems, the Act replaces accountability with government control, including appointing non-Muslim officials to Waqf Boards,” he said.

He argued that such interference has historically led to greater corruption, not reform.

Highlighting the narrow margin by which the bill was passed, Husaini noted, “It was passed in the Lok Sabha with only 288 votes for and 232 against, and in the Rajya Sabha with 128 Ayes to 95 Noes. The ruling party, which has no Muslim MP in the Lok Sabha, had no elected representative from the community to speak during the debate.”

He thanked MPs and parties who opposed the bill and urged them to continue supporting democratic protests and legal efforts to overturn it.

Condemns Gaza Violence

Husaini also condemned the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, calling the attacks on civilians, including women and children during Ramadan, ‘war crimes and acts of genocide’.

He accused Israel of targeting safe zones and schools and held the US-led West responsible for shielding Israel from accountability.

JIH welcomed India’s Ministry of External Affairs, expressing concern over the civilian deaths and urged the government to take decisive action to halt Israeli aggression.

“The Palestinian resistance is a fight for survival, freedom, and dignity,” he said.

Leaders Stand United

Senior JIH leaders Malik Moatasim Khan and Prof Mohammad Salami Engineer also addressed the press, expressing solidarity with Palestinians and reaffirming the organization’s commitment to constitutional rights and religious freedom in India.

Husaini concluded by warning secular political parties that supported the Act: “You may win votes in the short term, but history will not forget your betrayal.”

Also Read: Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Moves Supreme Court Against Waqf (Amendment) Act; Calls It Unconstitutional