United Nations, March 20 (NationPress) India has categorically rejected a report from the minority issues expert, labeling it as “factually incorrect” and indicative of “hostility” towards the nation.

Gaurav Kumar Thakur, a counselor at India's UN Mission in Geneva, stated that India dismisses the claims made by Nicolas Levrat, the special rapporteur on minority issues, regarding the Waqf Amendment Act 2025.

Thakur remarked that these claims are “factually incorrect and rooted in a shallow understanding of the historical context”, made during a session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

“The tone and substance of his remarks reveal a clear perceived hostility towards India,” Thakur added.

The Council’s special rapporteurs are independent experts who report on issues assigned to them personally, even though their statements may seem to carry the Council's endorsement and do not necessarily represent its views.

Levrat, who is a professor of European and International Law at the University of Geneva, asserted that the Waqf Amendment Act “limits the ability of Muslim communities to own and manage places of worship”.

In response, Thakur emphasized that the law's intention is “progressive”, aimed at “promoting transparency, gender equality, and more effective administrative work”.

He explained that it empowers minority Muslim groups such as Bohras and Agakhanis by enshrining their “right to safeguard their community interests through the establishment of their own places of worship”.

Thakur alleged that Levrat's comments seem to be influenced by certain organizations that aim to propagate misleading narratives and undermine India's pluralistic ethos for their own political agendas.

In his report, Levrat mentioned that he had consulted the Indian American Muslim Council based in New York.

Thakur asserted, “India is steadfast in its commitment to empowering ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities, and in fostering our nation's pluralistic character”.

He further stated, “Our democratic framework and Constitution guarantee fundamental rights for all citizens”, noting that “the Constitution provides specific protections to various minorities, ensuring their identities are safeguarded”.

Moreover, he pointed out that “all minorities, whether identified by religion or language, have the right to establish administrative authorities to manage educational institutions of their choice and select the medium of instruction”.

Significant aspects of the act include women's rights and ensuring representation from all Muslim sects in the Waqf bodies that oversee Muslim charitable endowments.

The law mandates that at least two Muslim women serve on the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, ensuring their inheritance rights are upheld.

Additionally, the amendment requires representation from various Muslim sects on State Waqf Boards.