In a significant development in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district, local authorities have issued formal notices to 24 individuals for engaging in a peaceful symbolic protest against the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
These individuals participated in the protest by wearing black armbands during the Friday prayers on March 28, which coincided with the holy month of Ramzan. The black badges were worn at multiple mosques across Muzaffarnagar, reportedly as a gesture of democratic dissent against the controversial legislation.
The protesters, who now face legal scrutiny, have been asked to appear before a court on April 16 and provide a surety bond amounting to Rs 2 lakh each as a preventive measure against any future unrest.
The notices were issued by City Magistrate Vikas Kashyap based on a report submitted by local police officials.
Confirming the development, Superintendent of Police (City) Satyanarayan Prajapat told reporters on Saturday that the 24 individuals were identified during surveillance and analysis of CCTV footage captured at and around the mosques during the prayers.
The police have also initiated further review of video recordings and other surveillance material to identify additional participants involved in the demonstration, hinting that more such notices could be issued in the coming days.
“The initial 24 people were identified through our surveillance efforts, and action has been taken by the law.
The protest took place during the congregational Friday namaz, where the individuals were seen wearing black badges on their arms, which we believe was a deliberate act of protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill,
SP Prajapat said. He further mentioned that additional individuals are under watch and could be served similar notices pending further verification.
According to the official notice, the individuals must provide a bond worth Rs 2 lakh each as a guarantee of peaceful conduct and law-abiding behavior going forward.
This procedure is often invoked under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) as a preventive mechanism to avoid potential disturbances to public order, especially in communally sensitive or volatile situations.
Those served with notices, however, defended their actions as a legitimate and peaceful form of democratic expression.
Several of them stated that wearing black armbands was a non-violent symbolic act meant to highlight their concerns about the Bill, which they claim was passed without adequate public consultation or consideration of minority viewpoints.
“We did not raise slogans or disturb the peace. We simply wore black badges on our sleeves as a sign of disagreement. This is part of our right to express ourselves in a democracy,” said one of the individuals who received the notice.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has become the focal point of this growing controversy, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday, April 4.
The minister defended the legislation by stating that it is not aimed against any religious group and does not seek to undermine the sentiments or religious practices of Muslims or any other community.
Instead, Rijiju emphasized that the bill is intended to reform and modernize the administration of Waqf properties, which have historically been plagued by legal complexities, lack of transparency, and outdated management systems.
During the debate in Parliament, Rijiju clarified that the amendments aim to bring greater clarity, accountability, and technology-driven solutions to the management of Waqf assets, which include thousands of properties across India entrusted for religious and charitable purposes.
He said the Bill’s provisions would strengthen governance, enhance digital tracking of properties, reduce litigation, and streamline the functioning of Waqf Boards across various states.
The Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of Parliament, passed the Bill in the early hours of Thursday after an intense and lengthy 12-hour debate, during which opposition parties raised several concerns regarding the bill’s intent and potential impact.
The final vote in the Lok Sabha saw 288 members supporting the legislation, while 232 voted against it, reflecting a sharply divided house.
Following its passage in the Lok Sabha, the Bill was taken up in the Rajya Sabha, where discussions stretched over 13 hours. In the upper house, the legislation was eventually passed with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, indicating that the Bill managed to secure a majority, albeit amid considerable resistance from various quarters.
The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has sparked protests and concerns among certain sections of the Muslim community, who fear that the changes may dilute their autonomy over religious endowments or open the door to increased government intervention in religious affairs.
However, the government maintains that the reforms are necessary to combat misuse, encroachments, and administrative irregularities in Waqf property dealings.
Meanwhile, the Muzaffarnagar district administration has made it clear that any form of unauthorized or disruptive protest—even those that appear peaceful—will be scrutinized and subject to legal consequences, especially if they are held without prior permission or are viewed as potentially inciting communal disharmony.
The incident has reignited debate around freedom of expression, protest rights, and government accountability.
Civil rights advocates and legal experts are watching the situation closely, with some suggesting that the action against the protestors may be disproportionate, particularly as their demonstration did not involve public disturbances, rallies, or inflammatory speech.
As the April 16 court date approaches, all eyes will be on the legal outcomes and whether further actions are taken against additional individuals identified through surveillance.
At the same time, broader national conversations about the Waqf reform bill, religious autonomy, and democratic dissent are expected to continue in the public and political arenas.