In a major development amid the ongoing Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 controversy, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, has issued a fatwa against Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay, accusing him of portraying Muslims negatively in his films and inviting individuals with questionable backgrounds to a recent Iftar party.
Speaking to media, Maulana Razvi stated, “Though Vijay has formed a political party and maintained good relations with Muslims, he has frequently shown Muslims as terrorists in his films. He even invited gamblers and liquor consumers to his Iftar. As a result, Sunni Muslims in Tamil Nadu are angered. Based on their request, I have issued a fatwa stating Muslims should not support him.”
Vijay, who is the president of the Tamil Nadu Vijay Karthik (TVK) party, recently filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.
On Wednesday, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, heard a batch of petitions related to the Act and indicated it may pass an interim stay on key controversial provisions. The court also expressed concern over reports of violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal, connected to the issue.
The CJI-led bench noted several troubling aspects of the Act, particularly:
- The inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards and Central Waqf Council,
- The expanded powers of District Collectors in Waqf property disputes, and
- Provisions to de-notify Waqf properties previously declared by courts.
“We are considering an interim order to balance the situation,” the bench remarked. Among the potential measures being weighed:
- Properties declared Waqf by courts should not be de-notified, regardless of user status.
- Collectors may proceed with current actions, but provisions granting extended powers will be put on hold.
- Only Muslims should be appointed as non-ex officio members of Waqf Boards and Council.
As the court was about to dictate the interim order, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, requested time for a detailed hearing. The matter has now been scheduled for further hearing on Thursday at 2 PM.
This legal and political controversy is expected to escalate further with key Assembly elections on the horizon, especially in Tamil Nadu and Bihar, where Waqf matters and minority rights are emerging as central electoral issues.