Muzaffarnagar: Authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar have issued notices to 300 individuals for protesting against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, by wearing black badges during Friday prayers at various mosques. Each person has been asked to furnish a bond of ₹2 lakh, a police official confirmed on Sunday.
The number of those served notices stood at 24 on Saturday but rose significantly after police reviewed CCTV footage from March 28, when the protest took place. Superintendent of Police (City) Satyanarayan Prajapat said efforts are underway to identify more individuals involved in the protest.
The notices were issued by City Magistrate Vikas Kashyap based on a police report, directing the individuals to appear before the court on April 16 and submit a bond of ₹2 lakh each.
The protest, which involved demonstrators wearing black badges on their arms during prayers, was held in response to the recent passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The legislation has sparked widespread criticism, particularly from opposition parties, who have labelled it "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional". However, the government has defended the law, calling it a "historic reform" aimed at benefiting the minority community.
The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha following an intense 13-hour debate, with 128 members voting in favour and 95 against. It had earlier cleared the Lok Sabha with 288 votes for and 232 against. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on Saturday.
With PTI inputs