Authorities in Muzaffarnagar have issued notices to 300 individuals for wearing black badges during Friday prayers in protest against the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Each of the individuals identified has been asked to appear before the court on April 16 and furnish personal bonds of Rs 2 lakh, police officials told news agency PTI.

The number of notices had initially stood at 24 as of Saturday, but has since surged after further analysis of CCTV footage from various mosques across the city. Superintendent of Police (City) Satyanarayan Prajapat stated that the individuals were identified based on video surveillance, and efforts are underway to identify more participants.

The notices were issued by City Magistrate Vikas Kashyap following a police report. Those served had worn black armbands during congregational prayers on March 28, registering their symbolic opposition to the controversial legislation passed by Parliament just hours earlier.

Also read: Parliament Clears Waqf Amendment Bill Amid Midnight Drama, Fierce Opposition Criticism

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed in the Rajya Sabha early Friday following a marathon 13-hour debate, with 128 votes in favour and 95 against.

The Lok Sabha cleared the Bill the previous day with 288 votes in support and 232 opposed. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the legislation on Saturday, formally enacting it into law.

The Bill, which has triggered sharp political and public backlash, was fiercely opposed by several opposition parties who have labelled it “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.”

In contrast, the government has hailed the measure as a “historic reform” aimed at benefiting the minority community.

As legal proceedings against the protesters begin, civil liberties groups and community leaders are expected to closely monitor the situation, which has the potential to further escalate tensions surrounding the legislation.