WAQF BOARD
CBI files FIR in $10 mn 'fraud' in Exim Bank involving UK-based company
The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case involving a USD 10 million fraud. This fraud is related to India Exim Bank and a UK-based company named Hanjer Biotech. Officials allege that the company diverted funds after requesting a loan for a recycling project. The loan was approved in 2012 but classified as a non-performing asset in 2014. The entire amount was reportedly siphoned off, leading to the investigation.
Waqf board irregularities: Court defers verdict in case against AAP leader Amanatullah Khan
A Delhi court has postponed the verdict in the CBI case involving AAP leader Amanatullah Khan. The case concerns alleged irregularities related to recruitment and leasing by the Delhi Waqf Board. Final arguments were completed on October 17 before the judge decided on a new date. Khan and several others have been named as accused in this matter. The new verdict date is set for November 28.
SC posts pleas challenging validity of Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 to January 21 next year
The Supreme Court has delayed hearings regarding the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. It has asked the involved parties to finalise their pleadings by December 31, 2026. The court intends to hear challenges that aim to invalidate specific provisions of the Waqf Act. Furthermore, the court had earlier stayed certain clauses to protect party interests while processing the case.
No demolition of Race Course Masjid till Waqf Board's representation is decided: Centre tells Delhi HC; No relief for offering namaz
The Centre assured the Delhi High Court that no demolition would occur at the Race Course Masjid. The court declined to allow the worshipper to offer namaz at the mosque, while addressing the case. The petitioner seeks protection for the mosque and access for worshippers amid reported restrictions. The matter will be further reviewed with a hearing scheduled for December 16.
"Minister's job to resolve matter": Asaduddin Owaisi demands Kiren Rijiju's immediate intervention in Race Course Masjid demolition order
Asaduddin Owaisi has raised concerns regarding the handling of the Race Course Masjid situation in New Delhi. He emphasised that the mosque holds gazetted Waqf status and should have legal protection. Owaisi urges Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to intervene and halt any potential demolition actions. The absence of a constituted Waqf Board in Delhi has contributed to administrative inaction.
Mirwaiz flags 6-day eviction notice to Race Course mosque
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed concern regarding the eviction notice issued to the Race Course mosque in Delhi. The mosque has been a gazetted Waqf property since 1977 but may face demolition within six days. Asaduddin Owaisi called on the Union Minority Affairs Minister to intervene in this matter. The current absence of the Delhi Waqf Board raises significant issues regarding the defense of such properties.
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Keralam government to seek Centre's clarity on junk food rules
Keralam seeks clarity from the central food safety authority on rules to identify and regulate foods high in fat, sugar and salt. The development comes as the state steps up efforts to reduce unhealthy eating habits among children. Clear standards are needed to determine the levels at which these ingredients become excessive. The state is implementing various initiative to promote safe and nutritious food at educational facilities.
Kerala government reconstitutes Waqf Board, appoints IUML leader Mayin Haji as chairman
The Kerala government has appointed M C Mayin Haji as the new chairman of the State Waqf Board, dissolving the previous board less than seven months after its formation. The reconstitution comes amid ongoing legal challenges and protests against the Centre's amendments to the Waqf law, while also highlighting a lack of representation for the A P Sunni faction.
J&K deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary says chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar should resign
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He accused the government of meeting protestors with brute force and pointed to the Constitutional rights to freedom of speech and protest. Choudhary also raised concerns on youth unemployment and opposed the Waqf Board’s proposed standardised themes for Friday sermons.
Omar Abdullah and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq slam J&K Waqf Board move to 'standardise' Friday sermons
Omar Abdullah and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq have condemned the J&K Waqf Board's plan for uniform Friday sermon topics. Critics argue that this initiative represents undue interference in Muslim religious practices and violates freedom of expression. Mehbooba Mufti raised concerns about the implications for religious diversity and autonomy across India. Inam un Nabi asserted that mosques should not serve as platforms for controlled messaging.
High Court seeks Delhi govt, Centre's stand on plea to constitute Delhi Waqf Board
The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre and city administration for their response. A petition seeks the constitution of the Delhi Waqf Board as per law. The last board's tenure ended in August 2023, with no fresh constitution. This prolonged absence risks waqf properties and deprives beneficiaries of safeguards. The court has given four weeks for the governments to file their replies.
Only registered 'qazis' can solemnise marriage under new nikahnama in Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand Waqf Board is drafting a new nikahnama aligned with the Uniform Civil Code. This new contract will authorize only registered qazis or maulanas to solemnize marriages. It aims to fix accountability and prevent religious conversion solely for marriage purposes. The draft will remove columns for polygamy and mandate Aadhaar submissions for all parties.
Supreme Court scraps Kerala High Court order on Waqf Board's supervision
The Supreme Court removed a Kerala High Court order. This order had placed the Kerala Waqf Board under joint secretary supervision. The Court allowed the joint secretary to remain a board member. However, the supervisory role was explicitly deleted by the bench. The High Court was directed to decide the matter expeditiously.
Congress opposes Hindu members on Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board, plans Supreme Court challenge
Madhya Pradesh reorganised its Waqf Board, adding two Hindu members to the ten-member committee. Congress leaders have criticised this move, calling it inappropriate and vowing to challenge it. Ruling BJP leaders defended the decision, stating the board is not solely for mosques. The Waqf Board chief affirmed the reconstitution followed all legal provisions. This move marks the first state-level Waqf Board to appoint Hindu members.
'Waqf Board can't show documents of land': Anurag Thakur claims HP's Sanjauli mosque construction illegal
A Shimla Municipal Court has ordered the demolition of the remaining two floors of the Sanjauli mosque, citing illegal construction and lack of ownership documentation. BJP MP Anurag Thakur supported the decision, alleging that the Waqf Board failed to provide proof of land ownership and that similar undocumented land occupations by the Waqf Board exist nationwide.
Centre does not seek to control Waqf Boards, but to ensure they operate within law: Nadda
BJP president JP Nadda clarified that the Centre does not intend to control Waqf Boards but wants them to function within legal boundaries. Speaking on the BJP's 46th foundation day, Nadda said the goal is to ensure Waqf assets are used for education, healthcare, and employment in the Muslim community.
"Is it Waqf Board or 'Land Mafia' Board?" UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath criticized the Waqf board for alleged land encroachments in Prayagraj. He supported the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, passed in Lok Sabha, aiming to enhance the administration of waqf properties and thanked PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their efforts.
Congress opposing Waqf Bill but yet to set up Waqf Board, Haj Committee in Himachal Pradesh: BJP
The Congress has faced criticism for not forming a Waqf Board or a Haj committee during its tenure in Himachal Pradesh. The BJP supports the new Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at improving accountability and resolving property disputes, now under consideration in the Lok Sabha.
Is the Taj Mahal Waqf property? Here’s what you need to know
The ownership of the Taj Mahal has been disputed since 1998, with the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Waqf Board claiming it as a Waqf property. Legal and political battles ensued, but without concrete evidence, the Supreme Court ruled against the Waqf Board's claim. The monument remains under government control.
Andhra Pradesh government dissolves Waqf Board for 'better' governance
The Andhra Pradesh government has dissolved the AP State Waqf Board to improve governance and protect Waqf properties. Officials noted that the board had been non-functional for a long time and faced legal challenges. The state revoked a previous order that had constituted the board, citing the need for better efficiency and compliance with court observations.
Govt order for Rs 10 cr grant to Maharashtra Waqf Board withdrawn amid opposition by BJP
The Maharashtra government withdrew its order to allocate Rs 10 crore to strengthen the state Waqf Board after opposition from the BJP. The BJP contended that the decision was taken administratively and asserted that the Waqf Board has no constitutional basis. These developments coincide with ongoing debates over the Centre's Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
"All rights given to Waqf board shall be revoked": BJP leader CT Ravi after protest in Karnataka
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka protested against the state government over the Waqf Board land issue. BJP leaders demanded the removal of the term "Waqf Board" from government records. They alleged that the Waqf Board is encroaching upon temple land, farmers' land, cremation grounds, and properties of Dalits. BJP plans to raise this issue in Parliament.
Jagdambika Pal summons Delhi Waqf Board and Ministry of Minority Affairs for JPC's hearing on October 29
Jagdambika Pal, BJP MP and JPC Chairman, announced a hearing with the Delhi Waqf Board and Minority Affairs representatives on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The JPC aims to include diverse stakeholders for comprehensive discussions while maintaining confidentiality, despite recent objections and a walkout by Opposition MPs.
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Chief Priest welcomes proposed Waqf Board Act amendments
The Indian government is considering amendments to the Waqf Board Act, focusing on inclusivity and property evaluation. The Chief Priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple welcomed the changes, while Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav criticized them. Proposed amendments may include mandatory property registration with district authorities and enhanced women's representation on the Waqf Board.
Government to amend Wakf law to usher in more transparency, gender diversity
The government prepared to introduce a Bill to amend the Wakf Act, 1995, targeting increased transparency and accountability for Waqf boards. The Bill, responding to community demands, would require property revaluation, land verification, and mandatory inclusion of women in the boards. The proposed changes were aimed at addressing longstanding issues and complaints against these boards.
'Modi govt wants to take away autonomy of board': Asaduddin Owaisi on reports of proposed amendments in Waqf Board Act
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the Modi government for planning amendments to the Waqf Board Act, accusing it of wanting to undermine the board's autonomy.
India may soon cut 'unfettered' powers of Waqf Board to call any property their asset
The proposed bill, discussed by the Cabinet on Friday evening, seeks to repeal several clauses of the current Waqf Act. These repeals are primarily aimed at reducing the arbitrary powers currently held by Waqf Boards, which allow them to claim any property as waqf without mandatory verification.
Court grants bail to AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan in Delhi Waqf Board case
AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan was granted bail by the Delhi Rouse Avenue court on Saturday in a case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He was released on a personal bond of Rs 15,000 and one surety of a similar amount. The ED had filed a complaint against him for failing to appear before the agency and participate in the investigation regarding alleged irregularities in appointments and leasing of properties in the Delhi Waqf Board.
Delhi LG grants CBI sanction to prosecute Amantullah Khan in Waqf Board case: Sources
The Delhi government's revenue department's sub-divisional magistrate (headquarters) had in November 2016 filed a complaint alleging "arbitrary and illegal" appointments by Khan to various existing and non-existing posts in the Delhi Waqf Board.
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