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Centre to introduce Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, faces Opposition resistance

One of the main proposals in the draft Bill is the substitution of the term ‘Waqf’ with the terminology ‘Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development’ in the parent 1995 Act.

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The Central government is prepared to introduce the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on August 8 to further amend the Waqf Act of 1995, which faced resistance from the Opposition parties. The new Bill has some major alterations, one of which is assigning a role to the ‘district collector’ when disputes related to the Waqf Act are to be solved.

One of the main proposals in the draft Bill is the substitution of the term ‘Waqf’ with the terminology ‘Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development’ in the parent 1995 Act.

Two major amendments are proposed in the Bill: the first makes provisions for the district collector to be appointed as the arbiter in cases of disputes regarding whether any property is Waqf property or government land. This has been effected by introducing clause 3C in the 1995 Act.

Under 3C (1), “Any property belonging to, or seized by, the Government which, before or after the commencement of this Act, has been, or is notified or declared, as a waqf property under this Act shall not be treated as a waqf property.”

According to Article 3C (2), “If any question arises whether any land is Government land, such question shall be referred to the district collector who shall decide the same after making an inquiry, and send a report to the State Government.”. But until the collector sends this report, the property shall not be deemed to be Waqf property.

The constituting of such decisions used to be solely decided by the Waqf tribunal before, whose decision was stated as final under Section 6 of the old Act. This is exactly what the new Bill aims to omit, that is, the words “shall be final”, so that the government may interfere in deciding Waqf property status.

Second, the Bill seeks to abolish the concept of “Waqf by use.” In most cases, under Islamic law, Waqf properties were dedicated orally until documentation became customary. For example, a masjid may be adjudged Waqf if it was used continuously for such purposes without any formal waqfnama. Thus, by abolishing the provisions under “Waqf by use,” the Bill renders the status of Waqf properties uncertain without valid documentation.

The Bill also amends Section 36 which deals with the registration of new Waqf properties, stipulating that no Waqf shall be created except with a formal Waqf deed. It also provides for the applicant to send the applications for registration of Waqf property to the district collector for verification of the authenticity of the application. Where the collector’s report shows that the property is disputed or government land, the Waqf shall not be registered until the dispute is decided by a competent court.

Another important amendment is that it is no longer mandatory that the chief executive officer of a Waqf Board should be a Muslim, a requirement that was there in the original Act.

The introduction of the Bill evoked a sharp response from opposition parties and Muslim organisations. Clear and unequivocal was the stand taken by the AIMPLB: any interference with the Waqf properties and the legal status and powers of the Waqf Boards would not be tolerated. They urged the National Democratic Alliance allies and opposition parties to reject the Bill and scuttle its passage in Parliament.

The opposition parties have declared they will oppose the Bill, while government sources say it is needed to bring transparency to the management of Waqf properties.

The former Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, Tariq Mansoor, called for a dispassionate analysis of the proposed reforms. He mentioned that there is a dire need for social justice and gender equity in Waqf Boards, and technology should be used to manage Waqf properties in a better way. It should learn from best practices in Islamic nations where Waqf organizations are generally found involved in charitable activities.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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