Imams in UP forced to sign bonds against protesting Waqf Amendment Bill

April 5, 2025 by News Desk

Muslim communities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are expressing growing outrage after local police began issuing notices to mosque imams and Muslim committee members, compelling them to sign bonds as a preventive measure against protests over the newly passed Waqf Bill.

As per a report by report Clarion India, the bill, which has come under fire from Muslim organisations and opposition parties, is being described as “anti-Muslim” and an attempt to dilute the autonomy of Waqf properties and associated institutions. The government, in response to expected protests, has increased police surveillance around mosques and issued warnings to religious leaders.

In Noida, several imams were approached by police and asked to sign ₹50,000 bonds with a commitment not to participate in or incite protests. “Is it now illegal to protest peacefully? Are we not even allowed to speak up when our rights are under threat?” said Maulana Shamsuddin, an imam from Noida, who described the move as harassment.

“This is not democracy. Forcing imams to sign bonds feels like authoritarianism.”

A senior police officer in Noida, DCP Harish Chander, confirmed the development, stating, “As a precautionary measure, we’ve issued notices to religious leaders to ensure peace and law and order. These bonds are preventive steps, not punitive.”

But Muslim leaders and rights activists argue the action amounts to intimidation.

“Why only target mosques? Why only Muslims?” asked Faizan Khan, a Lucknow-based advocate and social activist. “The Constitution guarantees the right to protest. But when Muslims protest, it’s treated as a threat.”

Reports suggest that similar notices have been sent to mosques in Lucknow, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, and other towns. In some cases, elderly imams have been summoned to police stations and warned against encouraging any public demonstrations.