The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to reform the management of Waqf properties in India by including non-Muslim members in Waqf boards and enhancing government oversight. Supporters argue it will improve transparency and reduce corruption, while critics contend—backed with protests in many places—it may infringe upon Muslim rights and lead to the seizure of historic religious properties lacking formal documentation. The Bill was passed by the Parliament on April 4, 2025.
In the above context, a video is being widely shared on social media in which some lawyers are seen protesting. The video is shared with a caption claiming that the lawyers are also protesting against the Waqf Bill.
A social media user shared the video and wrote, “Lawyers are protesting the Waqf Bill in large numbers by blocking roads.” (Translated from Hindi)
SouthCheck found that the claim is false. The video shows advocates protesting against the Advocate (Amendment) Bill.
On closely observing the video, we can see the logo of a YouTube channel named HNP News. Taking the hint, we searched with relevant keywords and found the same video on the YouTube channel of HNP News Hindi, dated February 22, 2025. The video was shared with a Hindi title that, when translated, reads, ‘Lakhs of lawyers blocked the roads of Delhi? Modi government was shocked to see this!’
In this news video, at around the 2:21-minute mark, one can see a lawyer holding a placard that reads, ‘Take back The Advocate (Amendment) Bill 2025.’ The viral video also shared the same clip in which the man is seen holding the placard.
The Hindu also reported the incident on February 18, 2025. Its report suggested that lawyers in Delhi courts had planned to abstain from work to protest the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to ban strikes by legal practitioners. The bill introduces penalties, including suspension and fines, for lawyers participating in strikes. Legal professionals argue that the legislation infringes upon their right to peaceful protest and undermines their autonomy. Bar associations have expressed strong opposition, urging the government to reconsider the bill’s provisions.
The Indian Express also reported the protest.
Moreover, according to a report by India Today, the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed to modernise India’s legal profession by expanding the definition of legal practitioners, introducing standardised legal education and prohibiting lawyer strikes. However, due to significant opposition from the legal community, citing concerns over autonomy and the right to protest, the bill was withdrawn in February 2025.
Hence, we can ascertain that the viral claim is false.
