In the ongoing Waqf Act controversy, the Karnataka High Court criticised the state government for allowing protests while the matter is pending before the Supreme Court. The Court firmly stated, “Protest should not be permitted as matter is seized by apex court.”
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court criticized the state government for allowing a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act while the issue is still pending before the Supreme Court.
Justice M Nagaprasanna remarked that permitting such a demonstration was inappropriate given the ongoing proceedings at the apex court.
The judge stated,
“The state shall bear in mind that the matter is seized by the apex court qua the amendment to the Waqf Act, and a protest of this kind should not be permitted,”
The court instructed the government to ensure that public roads are not obstructed by such events and emphasized that protests should only take place at designated locations with official approval.
The court asserted,
“If there is no permission, there is no protest,”
These comments made during the hearing of a petition filed by Rajesh A, a resident of Mangaluru.
The petition challenged a communication from the city’s Police Commissioner, which directed both private bus operators and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation to suspend services along a section of National Highway 73 from noon to 9 PM on Friday due to the planned protest against the Waqf Act amendment.
According to the petitioner, this advisory disrupted public transport significantly. Advocates Hemanth R Rao and Leelesh Krishna represented him in court.
In response, the state government informed the court that the initial communication had been revised and that normal traffic flow would be maintained. However, authorities advised heavy and medium commercial vehicles to take alternative routes as a precaution.
The matter is scheduled for another hearing on April 23.
The Waqf Amendment Bill was passed after a 12-hour-long debate, securing 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
On August 8, 2024, two significant legislative proposals, namely the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, were introduced in the Lok Sabha.
These bills aim to enhance the efficiency of Waqf Board operations and ensure better management of Waqf properties across India.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
