Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Kerala Waqf Board Reconstitution Sparks Political Controversy
The Kerala government, led by the Congress party, wants to change the members of the State Waqf Board according to a new law passed by the central government.
This new law allows non-Muslims to be part of the board, which has upset the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and other Muslim groups.
They say the government is supporting the central government's plan, even though they had earlier opposed it.
The opposition party, CPI(M), also criticizes the government for not protecting the rights of the Muslim community.
The Supreme Court has recently changed part of a Kerala High Court order that was controlling the board's daily operations.
The Kerala government plans to reconstitute the State Waqf Board according to the Centre’s Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
The IUML and Muslim bodies criticize the government for supporting the inclusion of non-Muslims in the board.
The CPI(M) accuses the government of endorsing the amended law, which they believe infringes upon religious rights.
The Supreme Court quashed a portion of the Kerala High Court directive that controlled the board's daily operations.
The Kerala High Court had directed the State Waqf Board not to take major decisions without its permission.
- Who
- Kerala State Waqf Board, IUML, CPI(M), BJP, Association of Christian Trust Services (ACTS)
- What
- Controversy over the reconstitution of the Kerala State Waqf Board in line with the Centre’s Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
- When
- Recent events, with the Kerala High Court directive and Supreme Court consideration
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- The amended Waqf law introduces reforms, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in State Waqf Boards, which has sparked political and community controversy.
IUML and Muslim Bodies
CPI(M) and Opposition
Inclusion of Non-Muslims in Waqf Board
IUML and Muslim Bodies
Opposes the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board, maintaining that the government has not agreed to nominate non-Muslim members.
CPI(M) and Opposition
Accuses the government of endorsing Section 14 of the amended law, which could reduce Muslims to a minority on the board.
Government's Stand on Waqf Board Reconstitution
IUML and Muslim Bodies
Maintains that the government has not agreed to appoint non-Muslims to the board and will examine the constitution of the board to conform to the law.
CPI(M) and Opposition
Criticizes the government's affidavit as endorsing Section 14 of the amended law, which they argue infringes upon religious rights.
- Legislation
- Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
- Government
- Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF)
- Alliance Partner
- Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)
- Opposition
- CPI(M)
- Supreme Court
- Quashed a portion of the Kerala High Court directive
- Kerala High Court
- Directed the State Waqf Board not to take major decisions without its permission
- Petitioners
- BJP state vice-president Shone George and Association of Christian Trust Services (ACTS)