Massive protests erupted in the cities of Kolkata and Ahmedabad on Friday as thousands gathered on the streets to oppose the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill. The demonstrations began shortly after Friday prayers, with key city roads blocked by protestors raising slogans and holding placards. The protests were primarily organized by various Muslim organizations who expressed strong opposition to the new provisions in the bill, calling it a direct interference in religious autonomy and property rights.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which cleared both Houses of Parliament—288 votes in favour and 232 against in the Lok Sabha, and 128 to 95 in the Rajya Sabha—is now awaiting President Droupadi Murmu’s assent. Among the controversial changes are a reduction in the mandatory contribution of Waqf institutions to Waqf boards from 7% to 5%, compulsory audits by state-appointed auditors for institutions earning more than ₹1 lakh annually, and the creation of a centralized online portal for managing Waqf properties to enhance transparency and accountability.
While the government defends the bill by highlighting its progressive elements—especially the clause that mandates women receive their inheritance before any property is declared Waqf—opponents argue that the move threatens the autonomy of the Waqf system. The bill also restores a pre-2013 rule allowing Muslims to dedicate property to Waqf if it has been used for religious purposes for five consecutive years. Despite the government’s assurances, the protests reflect deep-rooted concerns within sections of the Muslim community over state control and the potential erosion of traditional religious structures.
