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Supreme Court hears challenge to Waqf Amendment Act over inclusion of non-Muslims

Petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act were heard in the Supreme Court, with senior lawyers raising concerns about religious autonomy and minority rights.

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Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Monday heard a series of petitions challenging the recent Waqf Amendment Act, with senior legal experts questioning the constitutional validity of including non-Muslims in Waqf institutions. The controversial amendments, passed into law just last month, have stirred public protests and sparked debate over minority rights and religious autonomy.

Muslim control over Waqf institutions at risk, argue petitioners

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing one of the petitioners, strongly opposed the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council. He stated that such a move fundamentally alters the religious character of Waqf, which is defined as a Muslim’s dedication of property to God. “The creation of Waqf is not a secular act,” Sibal told the bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai. He warned that the new structure of the 22-member Council could potentially result in Muslims becoming a minority within their own religious institution.

Sibal compared the control over Hindu and Sikh endowments, which are exclusively managed by their respective communities, and asked why Waqf institutions should be treated differently. “There is no non-Hindu in Hindu religious trusts. The same principle must apply here,” he submitted.

When Chief Justice Gavai raised the example of Bodh Gaya, Sibal clarified that places of worship can be shared between religious groups but that does not change the religious nature of the endowment itself.

Criticism over ‘proof of religion’ requirement

Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi added that the new law creates unreasonable hurdles for those seeking to register Waqf properties. He criticized provisions that may require individuals to prove religious practice over five years, calling it “a mechanism to infuse fear and delay”. “Which religious endowment in this country demands proof that you have been practising your faith for years? This defies logic,” Singhvi remarked.

Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi also questioned how religious adherence would be verified. “Will I be asked if I pray five times a day or if I consume alcohol? Is that the criteria to judge someone’s faith?” he asked.

Senior Advocate Rajeev Dhawan emphasized that the matter also touches on broader secular values. He shared that one of his clients, a Sikh, wanted to contribute to a Waqf trust but fears the legal barriers will prevent him. “This is the first time religion is being redefined within a religious statute,” he argued.

Court maintains legislative presumption of constitutionality

Chief Justice Gavai, while acknowledging the arguments, reminded the courtroom that any law passed by Parliament carries a presumption of constitutionality. Courts, he said, must refrain from intervening unless a clear and egregious constitutional violation is evident.

The hearing is set to continue, with the court expected to examine in greater depth whether the amendments violate constitutional principles or minority rights.

Background on the amendment

The Waqf Amendment Act, passed in Parliament last month, has faced widespread backlash from Muslim organizations. Critics allege that it enables state interference in Waqf properties under the guise of inclusivity. The government, however, defends the law, claiming it promotes efficiency, transparency, and broader participation in managing Waqf assets.

India News

Blasts outside defence establishments in Punjab within 2 hours trigger security alarm

Two explosions near defence-linked locations in Punjab within two hours have triggered alarm and heightened security across the state.

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Two explosion incidents reported within a span of around two hours near key defence-linked locations in Punjab have raised serious security concerns and triggered political reactions.

The first incident took place near the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters in Jalandhar, where a blast involving a delivery scooter was reported in a populated area. The proximity of the explosion to a sensitive security installation immediately drew the attention of authorities.

Shortly after, another blast was reported near a military-linked area in Amritsar, further heightening concerns over security preparedness in the border state. Police and security agencies responded swiftly, deploying bomb disposal squads and forensic teams at both locations.

Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in either incident. However, the back-to-back nature of the explosions caused panic in nearby areas and prompted authorities to place the state on high alert.

Political leaders reacted strongly, questioning the handling of security and pointing to possible lapses. They urged authorities to take preventive steps to avoid such incidents in the future.

Punjab, being a strategically important border state, remains sensitive to such developments. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the explosions and whether there are any links between the two incidents.

Security has been tightened around key installations, with agencies assessing whether the blasts were isolated events or part of a broader threat.

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Retired bureaucrats appointed by Mamata Banerjee barred from Bengal offices ahead of BJP government formation

Retired bureaucrats appointed under Mamata Banerjee have been barred from government offices as West Bengal prepares for a BJP-led administration.

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In a significant administrative development following the West Bengal Assembly election results, several retired bureaucrats appointed during the tenure of Mamata Banerjee have reportedly been barred from entering state government offices.

The decision comes at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing to form its first government in the state after securing a decisive mandate. The move is seen as part of the transition process as the outgoing administration makes way for the incoming regime.

Officials indicated that the restrictions apply specifically to retired personnel who had been given contractual or advisory roles under the previous government. These individuals have now been asked not to access offices or handle official work.

The development follows a broader directive issued by the state administration to ensure that no official documents or records are removed, damaged, or tampered with during the transition period. Authorities have emphasised strict accountability, placing responsibility on departmental heads to safeguard files and maintain proper records.

The political backdrop to this move is the sweeping victory of the BJP in the 2026 West Bengal elections, marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape after years of Trinamool Congress rule.

With the new government expected to take charge soon, administrative reshuffling and tightening of access to government infrastructure are being viewed as measures to ensure a smooth and transparent handover of power.

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Vijay expresses gratitude to Modi, Rahul Gandhi for congratulatory messages after poll victory

Vijay thanked PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi after his party’s strong Tamil Nadu poll performance, promising governance focused on public welfare.

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for congratulating him on his party’s strong performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026.

Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), acknowledged the wishes shared by both leaders following the party’s impressive electoral debut, which has significantly altered the political landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Responding to the Prime Minister on social media platform X, Vijay said that his party’s focus would remain on public welfare and development. He emphasised that governance should rise above political differences and aim at improving the lives of the people.

“The well-being of our people remains our only goal… we shall focus on the state’s progress and welfare,” he said, while also expressing hope for support from the Union government in achieving these objectives.

The TVK has emerged as a major political force in the state, breaking the long-standing dominance of traditional parties and marking a major shift in Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics.

According to early developments, the party has staked claim to form the government and may seek additional support if required to prove its majority in the assembly.

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