A proposal to introduce uniform Friday sermons across mosques in Indian-administered Kashmir has provoked strong opposition from Muslim religious leaders and politicians concerned about religious freedom. The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, headed by BJP-associated Darakshan Andrabi, initially said that a committee of scholars would prepare standardised sermons addressing social problems, including drug abuse and mental health. Critics argued that determining sermon content should remain the responsibility of individual religious scholars rather than an administrative body. The controversy reflects longstanding tensions over religious autonomy following India's removal of Kashmir's special constitutional status in 2019. Religious leaders have previously criticised restrictions on worship, mosque surveillance and changes to traditional religious practices. Following widespread objections, Andrabi clarified that independent preachers would retain discretion over their sermons. Nevertheless, the dispute has renewed concerns about government influence over religious institutions and the protection of established freedoms in the disputed region.