Authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district have issued notices to 300 people for protesting against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, by wearing black badges during Friday prayers in mosques and asked them to furnish bonds of Rs 2 lakh each, a police official said on Sunday.

The number of notice recipients stood at 24 as of Saturday. Superintendent of police (city) Satyanarayan Prajapat said notices were served to 300 people after identifying them through CCTV footage. Efforts are on to identify more people, according to police.

In other words, a group of people — presumably Muslims — protesting peacefully against a law which they see as detrimental to their well-being, using entirely democratic methods, are to be legally and financially penalised in complete violation of all constitutional guidelines. And nobody seems too bothered.

The right to protest is a fundamental aspect of any democracy, and in India, it is protected under the Constitution. Article 19(1)(a) guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, while Article 19(1)(b) ensures citizens have the right to assemble peacefully without arms. Together, these rights form the legal foundation for public demonstrations, strikes, and protests.

Those who have been served notices wore black badges on their arms during Friday Ramzan........

© National Herald