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 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 prayers at different mosques in Muzaffarnagar on 28 March to protest the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, according to police.
A couple of days ago, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) leader Sanjay Nirupam said if anyone opposing the Waqf Bill tried to pull off "another ", then the situation would turn into "a ". For good measure, he added, "So be careful and respect the law that has been made, we will make arrangements so that injustice is not done to you."
By 'you', he once again presumably means Muslims, who stand to with the new Waqf (Amendment) Act. But that he can so casually, so callously, refer to one of the most horrifying massacres in the history of India's freedom struggle — simply to defend the government's of another set of peaceful protestors — says something about his mindset, and that of his political peers.
The Muzaffarpur SP told reporters on Saturday that notices had been issued against 24 people (the first group of black-badge protestors) by city magistrate Vikas Kashyap based on a police report, asking the protesters to furnish a bond of Rs 2 lakh each after appearing before court on 16 April.
Black badges have long served as a powerful symbol of protest, mourning, and silent resistance. Worn during demonstrations, public gatherings, or even in workplaces, these simple emblems convey a deep message without the need for words. The colour black traditionally represents grief and solemnity, and when fashioned into a badge, becomes a quiet but poignant form of dissent.
Individuals or groups often wear black badges to protest injustice, mark tragedies, or express dissatisfaction with policies or decisions. For instance, they have been used by government employees to express opposition without violating professional conduct rules, or by students and activists to show solidarity with a cause.
Unlike loud protests or marches, black badges offer a subtle yet visible method of raising awareness. Their strength lies in their simplicity and the unity they represent — many people standing together in shared silence and purpose.
This symbolic form of protest draws attention without confrontation, making it particularly impactful in situations where overt dissent may be restricted or discouraged, as it is in India today. Ultimately, black badges are more than accessories; they are emblems of conscience, remembrance, and the unwavering spirit of peaceful resistance.
So are the Muzaffarnagar protestors being targeted precisely because their protest has had, or is likely to have, some impact? When even government employees can display black badges without fear of reprisal, why should private individuals not have that right? Particularly when the new Waqf Act has drawn far more strongly voiced condemnation across several quarters?
Parliament approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill early on Friday, 4 April after the Rajya Sabha gave its nod to the contentious legislation following a more than 13-hour debate.
The discussion witnessed staunch objections from Opposition parties, which termed the Bill "anti-Muslim" as well as "unconstitutional", while the government said the "historic reform" would benefit the minority community.
The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting in favour and 95 against. It was passed in the Lok Sabha early on Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on Saturday.
With PTI inputs
