The CPI State Council has demanded cancellation of the new Puducherry Waqf Board after the government included two non-Muslim members in the body.The party passed a resolution condemning the move,saying that the decision harms the interests of the Muslim community. The council called for immediate dissolution of the current board and formation of a new board under the provisions in the pre-amendment Waqf law.
In its resolution, the CPI pointed to the appointment of MP S. Selvaganabathy as one of the non-Muslim members. The party described him as a strong supporter of RSS and raised concerns over his presence in the Waqf Board.
The dispute links to the Waqf Amendment Act 2025,which introduced changes to the Waqf Act 1995 and allowed inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council.
The Union government has stated that the new provision aims to improve transparency and the changes introduce secular oversight while leaving religious matters untouched.
Muslim organisations and political parties have opposed the amendment. CPI and CPI(M) argue that the provision weakens religious autonomy and minority rights.
Petitions challenging the amendment have reached the Supreme Court. During hearings in 2025, the Union government assured the court that non-Muslim appointments would remain restricted in certain cases until further orders. The court later imposed limits on such appointments.