Chhattisgarh govt makes Friday sermon approval mandatory
Raipur: In a controversial move, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Chhattisgarh has directed mosque clerics to seek approval from the state Waqf Board before delivering Friday sermons.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Waqf Board has issued guidelines requiring all mosque administrators in the territory to submit the topics of their sermons for approval. The Board claims authority over mosques and shrines and has mandated that clerics highlight government initiatives in their sermons.
The Waqf Board has also created a WhatsApp group for administrators to share sermon details, which will be reviewed by officials before approval. Clerics have been warned of legal action, including FIRs, for non-compliance starting next Friday.
AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the directive as unconstitutional and a violation of religious freedom under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. He questioned the BJP’s authority to dictate religious practices, calling it an infringement on Muslims’ rights to practise their faith independently.
Legal and religious experts said the Waqf Board’s mandate is limited to managing properties, not interfering in religious matters.
