New Delhi/Bhopal, November 29, 2025 – Jamiat-Ulama-Hind chief Maulana Mahmood Madani has voiced strong concerns regarding the state of minority rights in India, accusing both the Supreme Court and the central government of undermining these fundamental rights. Speaking at a meeting of the national governing body of the influential Deobandi organization in Bhopal on Saturday, Madani suggested that recent judicial verdicts, including those in the Babri Masjid and triple talaq cases, indicate the judiciary is functioning under governmental pressure.
Madani asserted that the Supreme Court's legitimacy hinges on its commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rights enshrined within it. "Supreme Court is entitled to be called 'supreme' only as long as it upholds the Constitution and the rights enshrined in law; otherwise, it loses moral legitimacy," he stated. He also highlighted issues such as bulldozer actions, mob lynching and the seizure of Waqf properties, contributing to a sense of insecurity among Muslims.
Madani also addressed the concept of Jihad, defending it as a "noble duty" aimed at eliminating injustice, protecting humanity, and establishing peace. He argued that "anti-Islam forces" have distorted the concept of jihad, turning it into a term synonymous with violence to malign Muslims. He clarified that armed struggle is only sanctioned to prevent oppression and disorder and that it can only be determined by a legitimate and organized state authority under Islamic jurisprudence. He emphasized the irrelevance of physical jihad in India, given its democratic and secular nature. Madani also criticized the media and government for distorting the "holy" concept of Jihad and misrepresenting terms like "love jihad", "spit jihad", and "land jihad".
Madani commented on the public sentiment towards Muslims in India, estimating that while 10% are supportive and 30% are against, a significant 60% remain silent. He urged Muslims to engage with this silent majority by explaining their issues and warned that alienating this group could lead to widespread anger.
Madani’s remarks drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who accused him of making inflammatory statements and attempting to divide the country. BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma alleged that "new Jinnahs are emerging in India who are trying to provoke the country's Muslims" and called on the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of Madani's comments.
Countering Madani's statement, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, advised Madani not to provoke or instigate Muslims, emphasizing that crores of Muslims trust the Supreme Court, Parliament and Government. He suggested that Madani, being a religious man, should speak from a religious point of view.
The Jamiat-Ulama-Hind is an influential body of Deobandi critics. Madani's statements come amidst increasing concerns about the rights and safety of minorities in India. He argued that a particular community is being forcibly targeted, while other communities are rendered legally powerless, socially segregated and economically humiliated. He also commented on Vande Mataram, saying that surrendering communities are "murda kaum," while living communities face challenges head-on.
