SC calls violence during anti-Waqf law protests "very disturbing"
text_fields
New Delhi: The Supreme Court expressed concern over the violence during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, describing the situation as "very disturbing." A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justices Sanjay Kumar, and K.V. Viswanathan made this observation while hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the newly amended law.
Chief Justice Khanna remarked, “One thing that is very disturbing is the violence that is taking place. If the matter is pending here, then it should not happen.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, echoed the concern, stating, “Protesters think they can pressurize the system through these actions.”
In response, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing a Muslim organization, opposed Mehta's statements, saying, “Who is pressuring whom, we don’t know.” Chief Justice Khanna then emphasized that there were "positive points in the bill" that should be highlighted.
Fresh violence erupted in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, on April 14, linked to the Waqf law, although police maintained that the situation in the previously riot-affected district of Murshidabad remained under control. On April 11 and 12, communal violence in Murshidabad, particularly in Suti, Samserganj, Dhulian, and Jangipur, led to at least three fatalities and left hundreds homeless during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. In response to the unrest, the Calcutta High Court recently ordered the deployment of central forces in Murshidabad to restore order.
With PTI inputs
