The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) faces a dilemma following the High Court’s decision to freeze the functioning of the Kerala State Waqf Board, holding that it was constituted in violation of the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Act, or the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.The amended law requires two non-Muslim members and one Shia member on State Waqf Boards. The present Kerala Waqf Board has neither. The order has brought the IUML’s opposition to the amended law into conflict with the stand of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government, of which the party is the second-largest constituent.The IUML had opposed the provision requiring two non-Muslim members when the Centre enacted the amended law. However, the State government told the High Court that it would reconstitute the board in accordance with the Act. Waqf Minister N. Samsudheen also said the government would comply with the law while constituting the new board.His stand differs from that of his party. IUML State general secretary P.M.A. Salam said the party’s position remained unchanged.‘No change in policy’“There is no change in our policy on the Waqf Act. We continue to oppose the inclusion of two non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board. Our position does not change because of a court order,” Mr. Salam told The Hindu.Mr. Samsudheen said the High Court had stayed the board constituted by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government for violating the amended law and that the UDF government would constitute a new board in accordance with the Act. Mr. Salam said the UDF would discuss the issue and decide on the way forward.Board to move SCMeanwhile, the Waqf Board is preparing to challenge the High Court order in the Supreme Court. Waqf Board member Umer Faizy Mukkam accused the State government of backing the BJP’s position on the issue. He alleged that the provision for two non-Muslim members reflected the BJP’s agenda and that the State government was implementing it.“It appears that the State government is working hand in glove with the BJP on the Waqf issue,” Mr. Faizy said. Published - July 16, 2026 08:38 pm IST