Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind National President Maulana Mahmood Madani sharply criticized the central government and judiciary during a religious and social program held in Bhopal on Saturday.
Madani said that cases related to the Babri Masjid dispute, triple talaq, and other religious sites are being conducted “under government pressure.” He added that these decisions violate the fundamental rights of minorities enshrined in the Constitution.
Referring to the Places of Worship Act, 1991, he said, “The status as of August 15, 1947, is final, yet surveys and claims regarding temple-mosque disputes continue. This is a blatant insult to the Constitution and the law.”
Madani also questioned the Supreme Court, stating, “The Supreme Court will remain ‘supreme’ only as long as the Constitution is protected. If that is not ensured, calling it ‘supreme’ would be inappropriate.”
Highlighting the concept of jihad, he said, “Jihad is always sacred and intended for the welfare of others. Today, however, it is being misrepresented. Terms like ‘love jihad,’ ‘land jihad,’ and ‘spit jihad’ are divisive and threaten social harmony. If oppression occurs, jihad will follow.”
He appealed to Muslims to defend their constitutional rights through peaceful, legal, and democratic means.
The BJP leadership described Madani’s statements as sensitive and provocative, to which he responded that this issue is not only about Muslims but concerns the entire democracy and Constitution.
Under the Places of Worship Act, 1991, changing the religious character of any place of worship that existed before India’s independence on August 15, 1947, is prohibited. Madani cited recent disputes such as Gyanvapi, Mathura, and Ajmer, claiming that courts are ignoring the law, posing a threat to both the Muslim community and the Constitution.
Madani emphasized that his statements are not just religious, but a matter of constitutional rights. He warned that if the government and judiciary curtail minority rights, public trust in secularism and justice in India would weaken.
He concluded by urging Muslims to stand up for their rights — but in a peaceful, legal, and democratic manner, from the streets to the Supreme Court.
