Following the Supreme Court's interim order, the Munambam Land Protection Council convened a meeting on Monday evening to assess its impact and decide its next course of action.
Published Sep 16, 2025 | 2:13 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 16, 2025 | 2:13 PM
Residents of Munambam gathered in front of Velankanni Church.
Synopsis: A part of Munambam in Kochi celebrated the Supreme Court’s interim relief on the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The court, while hearing challenges against the Act, chose to put on hold certain contentious provisions, though it stopped short of halting the entire legislation.
Philip Joseph, Kerala state vice-president of the BJP Minority Morcha and a native of Munambam near Kochi, moved from house to house distributing sweets on Monday, 15 September, after the Supreme Court’s interim order on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
On Monday night, the seashores of the small coastal village refused to sleep. Munambam stayed awake; some rejoiced openly, others watched in silence as the celebrations spread.
The statue of Holy Mary at Velankanni Church, which had stood witness to 338 days of hunger strike, remained at the protest site, alongside the idol of Mary presented by Union Minister Suresh Gopi.
A part of Munambam celebrated the Supreme Court’s interim relief on the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The court, while hearing challenges against the Act, chose to put on hold certain contentious provisions, though it stopped short of halting the entire legislation.
Yet, beyond the relief and legal arguments, Munambam narrates another story, a tale of grit and the quiet but undeniable hand of politics. In Philip Joseph’s words, “We never needed to update the Centre, they have been in constant touch with us.”
It’s evident that the Modi government continues to keep a special focus on this small fishing village, home to just 610 families.
Munambam residents have been on a 338-day hunger strike over the Waqf land dispute.
Section 2(a) of the amended Waqf Act plays a decisive role in Munambam’s ongoing land dispute. The clause makes it clear that the Act does not cover trusts founded by Muslims for purposes similar to a Waqf.
Protesters in Munambam argue that the land they bought from Farook College, a registered trust, cannot be brought under the Waqf category.
“We are relieved that Section 2(a) has not been stayed. Now the state government can move ahead to resolve the issue,” Philip Joseph told South First.
Speaking about the Union government’s role, Joseph recalled Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s assurance during his visit to Munambam. “He promised we would regain our revenue rights.”
Supreme Court lawyer Babila Ummerkhan told South First that Section 2(a) of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, makes it clear that trusts created by a Muslim for purposes similar to a Waqf are not covered by the law. This applies to all such trusts, no matter their name, and whether they were set up before or after the 2025 amendment.
She added that this rule overrides any existing court orders, and hence, it is so important in the Munambam land case. While other parts of the new law have been put on hold by the Supreme Court, this section remains in effect.
Residents of Munambam gathered at the protest site.
Following the Supreme Court’s interim order, the Munambam Land Protection Council convened a meeting on Monday evening to assess its impact and decide its next course of action.
Members of the council urged the Kerala government to act without delay, pointing out that the Justice CN Ramachandran Nair Commission has already filed its report.
The Justice CN Ramachandran Nair Commission, established by the Kerala government to probe the Munambam land dispute, submitted its findings to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on 28 May 2025. Formed in November 2024, the commission was tasked with examining the controversy surrounding 404 acres in Munambam, following claims that the land was classified as Waqf property.
Joseph Benny, convenor of the council, told South First that when Rijiju visited Munambam, he had assured them that the issue would be resolved within 15 days. However, his team later informed the council that it might take longer due to pending cases in the Supreme Court.
Benny added that there are now no obstacles for the Union Government to proceed with legislation.
The council is planning a large protest on 27 September, expecting participation from over 350 people, although some members, mainly recent BJP joiners, have decided to step back.
Philip Joseph, however, stated that the responsibility now lies with the state government. He noted that the commission appointed by Pinarayi Vijayan emphasised that all recommendations were aimed at safeguarding the rights of Munambam residents.
“It is now the state government’s turn to ensure these protections. There is no need for new legislation, as the state already has statutory powers to address such matters. We hope our revenue rights will be restored within six months, as the only delays are technical,” he told South First.
Philip also made it clear that the BJP would not take part in the 27 September protest.
IUML leaders previously held discussions with Christian clergy regarding the Munambam Waqf land dispute.
When South First visited Munambam on the 33rd day of the protest, residents were anxious but remained politically united. Representatives from a nearby mosque were also present to ensure there was no communal division and to support the people of Munambam.
Today, the situation has changed. The 610 families of Munambam have split politically and communally over 401 acres of land.
The role of the BJP in this division is evident from statements by local leaders.
“Muslim organisations or leaders no longer have a voice here in Munambam. They don’t have the right or power to come to our land. What they did in Munambam was a criminal offence. LDF and UDF were the only players in Munambam, but when it came to the Waqf dispute, people lost trust in both fronts,” ES Purushothaman, a member of the BJP state committee, told South First.
“The BJP, however, supported the residents. We didn’t need to seek the national leadership’s help; they kept us updated on every matter. Delhi leadership that has shown a special interest in our issue,” he added.
Meanwhile, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) chief Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal called the Supreme Court’s partial stay on the Waqf (Amendment) Act a relief. The apex court stayed the provision that invalidated a Waqf if the maker had not practised Islam for five years, citing potential misuse.
It also paused giving district collectors the power to decide rights over Waqf revenues and stressed that ex officio officers and board representation must be from the Muslim community — points raised by the Muslim League.
While IUML took a cautious stance, Wisdom Islamic Organisation Leaders PN Abdul Latheef Madani and TK Ashraf criticised the requirement that Waqf Boards include members from other religions, calling it discriminatory compared to Gurudwaras and Devaswom Boards.
They said in a press release that the stay is temporary — once states gain authority, even the validity of creating a Waqf could come under scrutiny.
According to Raghu, a council member, a meeting will soon be held at Varappuzha Diocese by church leaders and council members who have supported the protest from day one, as Munambam is home to Christian fisherfolk, mainly Latin Catholics.
“We will discuss further steps, including the stance of the state government, restoration of revenue rights, and also the upcoming elections and Munambam people’s stance,” he told South First.
However, according to Philip Joseph, the upcoming local body polls will witness a historic move from Munambam.
“Not a single BJP candidate has ever contested here in local body polls, but this time we will. BJP has already found four candidates for the upcoming bypolls. Around 310 Munambam families stand with the BJP,” he said.
“We conduct membership campaigns every week, and 40 people joined during the last drive. Some have kept it secret, as most fisherfolk belong to Left or Congress trade unions and fear revengeful acts,” he concluded.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
