Black Badge Protest During Ramzan Sparks Legal Action in Uttar Pradesh
Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh — Authorities in Muzaffarnagar have issued legal notices to 24 individuals who protested the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 by wearing black badges during Friday prayers on March 28. The protest took place across multiple mosques in the district during the holy month of Ramzan.Protestors Face ₹2 Lakh Bond Demand
City Magistrate Vikas Kashyap, acting on a police report, has directed all 24 individuals to appear before the court on April 16 and furnish personal bonds of ₹2 lakh each. According to Superintendent of Police (City) Satyanarayan Prajapat, more individuals are under investigation based on CCTV footage and could also face similar action.Peaceful Demonstration or Legal Violation?
Those who participated in the protest claimed they merely exercised their democratic right by wearing black badges to express dissent. They argued that the symbolic gesture was peaceful and did not disturb public order.About the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025—introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju—has sparked nationwide debate. Rijiju emphasized in the Rajya Sabha that the Bill is not targeted at the Muslim community, but rather aims to:- Enhance the management of Waqf properties
- Simplify complex administrative procedures
- Introduce greater transparency
- Promote the use of technology in governance
Parliamentary Approval Amid Heated Debate
The Lok Sabha passed the Bill in the early hours of Thursday after a 12-hour debate, with 288 votes in favour and 232 against. Later, the Rajya Sabha passed the Bill following a 13-hour session, where it secured 128 votes in favour and 95 opposed.The ongoing public response—including protests like the one in Muzaffarnagar—underscores the tension surrounding the Bill’s implementation.
Last updated by a enewsx:
