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Wearing black badges in protest against Waqf Bill, 24 people in Muzaffarnagar asked to furnish a bond of ₹2 lakh each

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In a controversial move, 24 individuals in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, were required to furnish personal bonds of ₹2 lakh each after they wore black badges in protest against the proposed Waqf Bill. The incident has sparked debates over freedom of expression, the right to protest, and the use of legal provisions to deter dissent.  

Background of the Waqf Bill Controversy
  
The Waqf Bill, which aims to amend the existing Waqf Act of 1995, has been a contentious issue, particularly among Muslim communities who fear it may lead to greater government control over Waqf properties—religious endowments under Islamic law. Critics argue that the bill could undermine the autonomy of Waqf boards and lead to mismanagement or misuse of these assets. Protests have emerged in various parts of the country, with demonstrators demanding a reconsideration of the proposed amendments.  

The Muzaffarnagar Incident
  
In Muzaffarnagar, a group of 24 people chose to wear black badges as a symbolic protest against the bill. However, local authorities viewed this act as a potential threat to public order and invoked legal provisions requiring them to submit bonds of ₹2 lakh each under Section 107/116 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). This section allows the police to demand a security bond from individuals deemed likely to disrupt peace.  

Legal and Civil Rights Concerns
  
The imposition of such heavy bonds has raised concerns about the suppression of peaceful dissent. Civil rights activists argue that wearing black badges is a non-violent form of protest protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression. Critics allege that the administration’s action sets a dangerous precedent, discouraging citizens from voicing opposition to government policies.  

Political Reactions
  
Opposition leaders and human rights organizations have condemned the move, calling it an overreach by the Uttar Pradesh government. They argue that instead of addressing the protesters' concerns, the administration is using financial pressure to silence dissent. On the other hand, supporters of the bill claim that the protest could have led to unrest, justifying the preventive measure.  

Broader Implications
 
This incident is part of a larger pattern where legal mechanisms are used to curb protests, especially in Uttar Pradesh. Similar cases have been reported where activists, journalists, and protesters have faced heavy bonds or detention under preventive laws. The Muzaffarnagar case highlights the tension between maintaining public order and upholding democratic freedoms.  

Conclusion
  
The demand for ₹2 lakh bonds from protesters in Muzaffarnagar reflects a growing trend of stringent measures against dissent. While maintaining law and order is essential, the use of financial deterrents against peaceful protests raises questions about democratic rights. As debates over the Waqf Bill continue, the balance between security and freedom of expression remains a critical issue for India’s democracy.  

The incident serves as a reminder of the need for transparent dialogue between the government and citizens to address grievances without resorting to coercive measures. Whether this case will lead to legal challenges or policy revisions remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly intensified discussions on protest rights in India.

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