Hyderabad, April 18 —A massive public gathering took place at Masjid Asra in Malkajgiri on Wednesday, where community leaders and secular activists warmly welcomed the Supreme Court’s interim verdict concerning the Waqf Act. The gathering expressed hope that the Court’s final verdict, expected on May 5, will further alleviate the anxiety and tension prevailing among secular forces, particularly the Muslim community.
Addressing the public meeting, Shri Syed Azeez Pasha, former Member of Parliament and National Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), said that the Supreme Court Bench had taken serious note of the violation of constitutional laws, specifically Articles 13, 14, 15, 21, and 300A. He criticized the government’s claim of aiding ordinary Muslims as a “blatant lie,” stating it runs contrary to the expectations and needs of the Muslim community.
Shri Pasha further pointed out that the CPI’s National General Secretary, Mr. D. Raja, is also one of the petitioners challenging the amendments, and that the interim order was welcomed by all secular-minded citizens. He praised the Supreme Court for rightly questioning the induction of non-Muslims into the Waqf Council and for highlighting the illegal attempts to denotify longstanding waqf properties under the pretext of “waqf by user.”
Criticizing Attorney General Tushar Mehta’s remarks labeling the Supreme Court’s directives as “harsh” and “overreaching,” Shri Pasha said such comments were inappropriate. “When constitutional provisions are violated, it is the Supreme Court’s duty to safeguard the basic tenets of law,” he asserted.
He also condemned Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju’s repeated claims in Parliament about ensuring transparency, accountability, and better administration in waqf matters, calling them “utterly misleading and false.” Shri Pasha noted that even after receiving 96 lakh suggestions and objections from the public regarding the Waqf Amendment Act 2024, the Union Government surprisingly sought additional weekdays to respond.
The meeting was presided over by Mr. Khayamoddin, President of the Secunderabad Masjid Committee, who welcomed the gathering and cited the Battle of Badr as an example of divine assistance in times of struggle.
Maulana Munawar Ali, in his speech, vowed to continue the fight until what he termed the “black law” was completely withdrawn.
Mr. Ahmed, President of the Asra Masjid Committee, Malkajgiri, concluded the program by offering a formal vote of thanks.
