Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday expressed support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, addressing concerns and criticisms raised by opposition lawmakers in Lok Sabha. Shah accused Opposition MPs of disseminating various misinformation, suggesting that their motives may be either unintentional or politically driven.

Addressing the Lower House, Shah emphasized that Waqf, which pertains to donations made for religious charities in the name of Allah, represents a charitable endowment made without any expectation of reclaiming the funds. He clarified that such contributions must be derived from personal property and cannot be sourced from government assets.

Shah further noted, “There is no provision to appoint any non-Muslim members to the Waqf. We do not intend to do so, as there will be no intrusion into the religious affairs of Muslims. The opposition’s resistance stems from a desire to appease their voter base.”

On this day, the Lok Sabha began deliberation on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which includes recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee that reviewed the legislation after its introduction in August of the previous year. Additionally, the House considered the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, both introduced for discussion and approval by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Shah clarified that while non-Muslim members could be appointed to the board and administrative councils, this would be strictly for administrative functions. He questioned whether a Hindu, Jain, or Sikh could serve as a charity commissioner in a non-religious capacity, arguing that such a move is vital for national integrity.

He insisted that the necessity for the current bill arose from amendments made in 2013 that he considered extreme, highlighting the past government’s inappropriate allocation of prime land in Lutyens Delhi as Waqf properties before the 2014 elections.

Earlier in the day, Union Minister Rijiju defended the Waqf Amendment Bill, asserting that the reforms are positive and necessary, countering claims from those with no direct stake in the bill, who he alleged are being misled.

However, Congress MP KC Venugopal criticized the expedited process, claiming it deprived opposition members of the opportunity to propose amendments. Fellow Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi condemned the bill, arguing that it undermines constitutional values and further marginalizes minority communities.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of introducing new legislation to distract from its past failures. Commenting on the government’s claims of promoting women’s empowerment through the Waqf Bill, he challenged the BJP by questioning how many women candidates they would nominate in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections. He expressed concern that the Waqf Bill threatens to compromise the country’s secular identity.

AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan also weighed in, questioning Shah’s claims regarding the prime locations of 130 Waqf properties, suggesting that the BJP’s true intentions may involve seizing these properties, referencing past actions against Muslim-owned graveyards and buildings. He raised concerns about the government’s plans for properties that are not officially recorded as Waqf.

Meanwhile, Eknath Shinde, Chief of Shiv Sena and Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, reiterated his party’s stance on the Waqf Board, affirming, “Our position has always been unequivocal. We will not compromise our views for the sake of power or self-interest. Our support for the Waqf Amendment Bill is firmly rooted in promoting the welfare and progress of the Muslim community.”

A Navi Mumbai-based banker who attended comedian Kunal Kamra’s controversial show was summoned by the police as part of an investigation into alleged defamatory remarks made against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, authorities later informed him that his immediate presence was not required.

Kamra, responding to reports that the banker had to cut short his vacation due to the summons, publicly apologized on social media. “I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused to you for attending my show. Please email me so I can schedule your next vacation anywhere in India,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a news report about the incident.

According to a senior police official, the banker—who booked his ticket via the BookMyShow app—received a summons on March 29, directing him to appear before the Khar police station to record his statement as a witness.

The First Information Report (FIR) against Kamra was filed on March 28 at Khar police station following a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. The case pertains to a parody song performed by Kamra during his Mumbai show, which allegedly contained indirect jibes labeling Shinde a “traitor.” Though Shinde was not explicitly named, the reference was widely interpreted as targeting the deputy CM, who split from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction in 2022.

Initially, the investigating officer contacted the banker and asked him to visit the police station. However, after “certain developments” in the case, authorities later informed him that his immediate appearance was unnecessary, though he may be called later if required.

The controversy has sparked heated reactions, with Shiv Sena workers vandalizing the studio where Kamra’s show was recorded last month. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court granted the comedian interim anticipatory bail on March 28, issuing a notice to Khar police and scheduling the next hearing for April 7.

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday ordered the suspension of bike taxi operations in the state within six weeks, emphasizing that these services cannot continue until the government establishes the necessary regulations.

The court provided the Karnataka government with a three-month timeframe to formulate guidelines for bike taxi services in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.

This ruling was issued in response to a petition filed by taxi aggregators who sought a court order requiring the transport department to recognize two-wheelers as transport vehicles and to grant the corresponding permits under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The state government opposed this initiative, arguing that bike taxis are illegal since two-wheelers displaying white number plates are not permitted for commercial use.

The court referenced a 2019 expert committee report that assessed the impact of bike taxi services on both traffic conditions and safety, highlighting the necessity for established regulations before these services can be permitted to operate. Justice Prasad remarked, “Those who resist change ultimately foster decline,” encouraging the companies to comply with the directive.

Senior Advocate Arun Kumar, representing one of the parties involved, pointed out that Ola launched its bike taxi service in April 2024. While the court took note of this, it mandated that all firms must terminate their operations within a six-week timeframe. Companies such as Rapido, Ola, and Uber currently offer bike taxi services in cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru.

The court instructed the petitioners to adhere to its ruling and halt their operations. It highlights the necessity for clear regulations prior to the resumption of these services.