The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Monday, 22 June resolved to launch a nationwide movement against what it described as the “social and political marginalisation of Muslims and the demolition of mosques and madrasas.” The decision was taken at an Executive Committee meeting held in New Delhi, presided over by Board President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani.

Action Committee Constituted

The Executive Committee constituted a dedicated Action Committee to coordinate with what the Board called “democracy-loving and peace-loving sections of society.” According to a statement issued by the Board, the movement aims to highlight “the promotion of hatred and hostility, damage to communal harmony, and attacks on the life, property, honour and dignity of Muslims.” The Committee also resolved to prepare and publish a comprehensive document on the deteriorating condition of the Muslim community, communal tensions, and alleged violations of fundamental rights.

Opposition to Uniform Civil Code

The Board reiterated its opposition to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), stating that its “forced implementation is contrary to the religious freedom guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution of India.” The Executive Committee expressed particular concern over ongoing legislative efforts in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states. The meeting noted that after Uttarakhand and Gujarat, preparations are reportedly under way for UCC implementation in Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The Board said it has already challenged the Uttarakhand government’s UCC law in the Nainital High Court and will pursue similar legal action against comparable laws in other states.

Vande Mataram Row

The Board also took a firm position on the Vande Mataram debate, stating that attempts to make the song compulsory are contrary to Article 25 of the Constitution. The Board clarified that should the Central Government legislate to make Vande Mataram mandatory for all citizens or school students, it will challenge the move in court. Separately, the Executive Committee welcomed the interim order of the Calcutta High Court staying the West Bengal government’s directive requiring the singing of Vande Mataram in schools and madrasas. The Board stated that the song’s contents are contrary to the Islamic belief in Tawhid (the oneness of God) and therefore impermissible under Islamic law. It appealed to Muslims not to “compromise on their faith and beliefs in the name of tolerance or patriotism.”

Broader Context

The AIMPLB’s announcement comes amid a sustained period of legal and political contestation over minority rights, mosque demolitions linked to urban development projects, and the expanding scope of UCC legislation at the state level. This is among the Board’s most assertive public postures in recent years, signalling an intent to move beyond legal challenges into organised civil mobilisation. The forthcoming comprehensive document on Muslim community conditions is expected to serve as the movement’s foundational advocacy text.