India Rejects UN Expert's Claims on Waqf Amendment Act as Biased

India has strongly refuted claims made by UN expert Nicolas Levrat regarding the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, describing them as factually incorrect and biased. Gaurav Kumar Thakur, representing India at the UN, emphasized the law's progressive aims, including promoting transparency and gender equality. He accused Levrat of relying on misleading narratives from certain organizations. The act is designed to empower minority Muslim sects and ensure women's representation in Waqf bodies. Thakur reiterated India's commitment to safeguarding the rights of all minorities, highlighting the constitutional protections in place.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 10:44 IST

India's Strong Response to UN Minority Issues Report

United Nations: India has categorically rejected a report from a UN expert on minority issues, labeling it as 'factually incorrect' and indicative of 'hostility' towards the nation.

Gaurav Kumar Thakur, a counselor at India's UN Mission in Geneva, expressed India's disapproval of the claims made by Nicolas Levrat, the special rapporteur on minority issues, regarding the Waqf Amendment Act 2025.

Thakur stated that Levrat's assertions are 'factually incorrect and stem from a limited understanding of the law's context and history' during a session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

He further noted that the tone and substance of Levrat's remarks suggest a clear bias against India.

Special rapporteurs, while appearing to represent the Council, operate as independent experts and their views do not necessarily reflect the Council's stance.

Levrat, a professor of European and International Law at the University of Geneva, claimed in his report that the Waqf Amendment Act 'restricts the ability of Muslim communities to manage and own places of worship.'

In response, Thakur emphasized that the law aims to be 'progressive,' promoting transparency, gender equality, and improved administrative efficiency.

He highlighted that the legislation empowers minority Muslim sects, such as the Bohras and Agakhanis, by affirming their 'right to safeguard their community interests through the establishment of their own places of worship.'

Thakur accused Levrat of relying on information from organizations that propagate misleading narratives to undermine India's pluralistic society for their political agendas.

Levrat mentioned in his report that he consulted with the Indian American Muslim Council based in New York.

Thakur reiterated India's commitment to empowering ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities, emphasizing the nation's dedication to its pluralistic identity.

He stated, 'Our democratic principles and Constitution ensure fundamental rights for all citizens.'

The Constitution provides specific protections for various minorities, allowing them to form administrative bodies to manage educational institutions of their choice and select their medium of instruction.

Key aspects of the act include promoting women's rights and ensuring representation for all Muslim sects within the Waqf bodies that oversee Muslim charitable endowments.

The amendment mandates that at least two Muslim women be included on the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, while also safeguarding women's inheritance rights.

Additionally, it requires representation from diverse Muslim sects on State Waqf Boards.