A large-scale protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, organized by the Karnataka Ulema Associations, saw a significant turnout at Shah Garden in Mangaluru’s Adyar region on Friday, prompting the deployment of over 2,000 police personnel to maintain order in the communally sensitive coastal city.

The demonstration, attended by people from districts including Karwar, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan, led to traffic restrictions on National Highway 73 until 9 p.m., causing disruptions that sparked criticism from the Karnataka High Court for allowing the event amid ongoing Supreme Court deliberations.

Protesters, waving Indian flags and chanting slogans like “Yeh Waqf hamari hai, yeh haq hamari hai,” filled Shah Garden and spilled onto the highway, overwhelming security measures. Organizers claimed nearly one lakh participants, though police could not manage crowd control effectively, removing metal detectors to allow unrestricted entry.

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The Karnataka High Court, hearing a petition by Mangaluru resident Rajesh A, criticized the state for permitting the protest, stating, “The matter is seized by the apex court; such protests should not be allowed,” and emphasized that demonstrations require official permission and designated locations.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, passed by Parliament on April 4, 2025, has ignited nationwide controversy, with critics like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board arguing it infringes on religious rights. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka condemned the protest as a state-sponsored event. No violence was reported, but the event underscored tensions surrounding the legislation, which awaits presidential assent.

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