UP police file cases against 50 Muslims over anti-Waqf Act protests

The controversy surrounding the newly enforced Waqf (Amendment) Act continues to fuel widespread protests across Uttar Pradesh, with more than 50 Muslims now facing legal action for voicing their opposition.

The Uttar Pradesh police have responded by arresting and filing cases against protesters.

On 18 April, following the Friday noon prayers, a group of Muslims from Bilaspur village in Baghpat’s Singhawali Ahir police jurisdiction gathered outside the mosque to protest against the Waqf Act. Holding placards and banners, they chanted slogans demanding the repeal of the law. The protest, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, led the police to register cases against over 50 individuals, including 21 named and 35 unidentified individuals.

This crackdown is not an isolated incident. On 5 April, police in Muzaffarnagar also issued notices to 24 individuals who had opposed the legislation by wearing black bands, further intensifying the pressure on the Muslim community to stay silent on the matter.