Mahmood Madani Accuses Government, Judiciary of Undermining Constitutional Rights

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Mahmood Madani has sharply criticised the Union government, alleging that both the administration and the judiciary are weakening the constitutional rights of minorities.

Speaking at a public event, Madani said several recent court rulings—including the Babri Masjid judgment and the verdict on triple talaq—reflect a judicial environment “working under government pressure.” According to him, multiple decisions in recent years have “openly violated minority rights guaranteed by the Constitution,” creating what he called a worrying trend.

Madani also pointed to cases currently being heard despite the protections offered by the Places of Worship Act, 1991. He described this as a sign of “constitutional drift” and warned that the Supreme Court’s authority depends on its commitment to upholding the Constitution.

“The Supreme Court is entitled to be called ‘Supreme’ only as long as the Constitution is protected there,” he said. “If that does not happen, it does not deserve to be called supreme even in a symbolic sense.”

He reiterated that Muslims in India remain loyal to the Constitution and stressed that the government carries the primary responsibility for safeguarding citizens’ rights. “If the government does not protect these rights, then the government is responsible,” he said.

Madani also criticised what he described as a deliberate distortion of the term jihad in political and media narratives. He objected to phrases such as “love jihad,” “spit jihad,” and “land jihad,” arguing that they misrepresent a sacred concept. Jihad, he said, has always been linked to moral struggle and the welfare of others.

“Jihad was and will always remain holy,” Madani said, adding that religious teachings speak of jihad only in the context of justice and resisting oppression. “If there is oppression, then there will be jihad,” he asserted.