Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh), April 17 – Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, has issued a fatwa against Tamil Nadu’s actor-turned-politician Vijay, the chief of the Tamil Nadu Vijay Karthik (TVK) party. The move comes after accusations that Vijay has portrayed Muslims negatively in his films and invited individuals involved in gambling and liquor consumption to his Iftar party.
Speaking to ANI, Maulana Razvi Bareilvi stated, “He has maintained cordial relations with Muslims, but his films have depicted Muslims as spreaders of terrorism. Sunni Muslims of Tamil Nadu are angry with him, and they requested a fatwa. Based on this, I have issued a fatwa stating that Muslims should not stand with Vijay.”
Meanwhile, Vijay has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, a move that adds to ongoing legal disputes. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard a batch of petitions questioning the constitutional validity of the Act and hinted at an interim order that could stay key provisions of the law.
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, alongside Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, noted growing concerns over violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district linked to the Act. “The one thing that is very disturbing is the violence that is taking place,” Chief Justice Khanna remarked, stating that the court would decide on the matter soon.
Though no formal order was passed, the bench suggested that certain provisions may be stayed, including:
- The inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards
- The powers of collectors in deciding disputes over Waqf properties
- De-notifying Waqf properties that courts have previously ruled on
During the hearing, the Supreme Court considered balancing equities, suggesting that properties declared as Waqf by court rulings will remain classified as Waqf, even if they were designated by usage. Additionally, the bench mentioned that collectors could proceed with property-related disputes, but certain legal provisions may not take effect.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central Government, requested that the defense be heard before the interim order is finalized. Consequently, the Supreme Court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on Thursday at 2 PM.
The developments surrounding Vijay, the fatwa issued against him, and the Supreme Court’s handling of the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 indicate rising tensions over religious, political, and legal issues in India.
