Jamiat Chief Maulana Mahmood Madani Raises Alarm Over Judicial Independence and Plight of Minorities

 

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Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) 29, Novermebr: Maulana Mahmood Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, delivered a strongly-worded critique of the nation’s judicial and social landscape during the organization’s National Governing Body meeting in Bhopal on Saturday. Madani expressed deep concern, explicitly alleging that judicial bodies have appeared to function under political duress in recent years and claiming that constitutional rights are being systematically eroded for minority communities.

Questioning the ‘Supreme’ Court’s Autonomy

 

Addressing the gathering, Madani questioned the neutrality of the country’s judiciary, suggesting that high-profile rulings indicate a lack of independence.

“After the verdict on Babri Masjid, triple talaq and several other matters, it seems that courts are functioning under the Government’s pressure for a few years now,” Madani stated.

He emphasized that the status of the Supreme Court is conditional on its commitment to the rule of law. “The Supreme Court is eligible to be called supreme only when it follows the Constitution and when it upholds the law. If it doesn’t do that, it doesn’t deserve to be called ‘Supreme’,” the Jamiat chief asserted, referring to numerous instances that have, in his view, “raised questions on the character of courts.”

Systematic Targeting and Community Insecurity

 

The Jamiat leader highlighted what he termed a “sensitive and concerning” situation for Muslims across the country, alleging that the community is being forcibly targeted, leading to social segregation and economic humiliation.

Madani pointed to several high-profile issues that contribute to a pervasive sense of insecurity:

• “Bulldozer actions” against properties.

• Mob lynching incidents.

• Seizure of Waqf properties.

• Negative campaigns and efforts to undermine religious madrasas and reforms.

He lamented that these actions have made Muslims “feel unsafe even as they walk down the streets,” stressing that they threaten the community’s religion, identity, and existence.

Fundamental Rights and the Misuse of Conversion Laws

 

The speech also included a sharp criticism of anti-conversion laws, which Madani argued are fundamentally eroding the constitutional right to Freedom of Religion.

“The Constitution of the country has provided us with the right to Freedom of Religion. But under the Conversion Law, this fundamental right is being eroded. This law is being used in a manner in which practising a religion becomes liable to fear and punishment,” he said.

Conversely, Madani alleged that groups conducting ‘Ghar Wapasi’ (reconversion) activities are given a “free hand,” facing no legal scrutiny or action.

The True Meaning of ‘Jihad’ vs. Political Slurs

 

Maulana Madani further condemned the widespread misuse and political weaponization of the term ‘jihad,’ arguing that “enemies of Islam and Muslims have made ‘jihad’ a synonym of abuse, conflict and violence.”

He specifically called out the use of newly coined terms like ‘Love jihad,’ ‘Land jihad,’ ‘Taleem’ Jihad, and ‘Thook’ Jihad as ways to insult the Muslim faith. Madani clarified that in the Quran, ‘jihad’ is used to signify one’s duties, the welfare of society and humanity, and, in the context of war, “finishing off oppression and violence.”

Concluding his remarks with a commentary on resilience, Madani commented on the concept of ‘Vande Mataram,’ stating, “…’Murda kaum’ [dead community] do not get involved in difficulties. They surrender… That is the sign of a ‘murda kaum’. If it is ‘zinda kaum’ [living community], morale will have to be boosted and the situation will have to be met head on.”

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Latest Update: Political Reaction

 

The controversial remarks by the Jamiat chief quickly drew political backlash. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra slammed Madani’s statements, alongside those of SP chief Akhilesh, labelling them as “Misleading and divisive,” indicating a growing political fissure over the comments on the state of the judiciary and minority rights.