General
UP: Over 60 mosques in Shahjahanpur covered with tarpaulin, for ‘Joota maar’ Holi

Shahjahanpur, March 11: In a bid to maintain peace and ensure the safety of religious places during the upcoming Holi celebrations, the district administration of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has taken a unique precautionary step with over 60 mosques in the region been covered with tarpaulin sheets ahead of the famous ‘Joota Maar Holi,’ a colourful and chaotic event known for its exuberant processions and exuberant revelry.
The decision comes after extensive discussions with religious leaders and local authorities, aimed at preventing the mosques from being smeared with colours or, in some cases, shoes during the festivities.
Shahjahanpur is home to one of the most distinctive Holi traditions, where people engage in a playful ‘Joota Maar Holi’ during a procession that spans approximately 10 kilometres. The festivities attract thousands of participants, often leading to uncontrolled chaos, making the precautionary measures necessary.
To prevent damage to the mosques and ensure the smooth flow of the celebrations, the district administration, with the support of local religious leaders, decided to cover mosques and other religious structures with tarpaulin.
This is intended to keep them protected from the shoe hitting, colour splashes and potential disruptions associated with the event. Authorities have also planned for additional security measures, including surveillance and monitoring by police personnel in military uniforms, as well as the use of drones to keep a watchful eye on religious places during the celebrations.
While the Muslim community in Shahjahanpur has expressed their support for these protective measures, they have emphasised that the covering of mosques is in everyone’s best interest. By ensuring that no colour falls on their religious places, the atmosphere will remain undisturbed, allowing everyone to enjoy the festivities peacefully. The initiative has been broadly accepted, and religious leaders have voiced their approval after attending peace committee meetings with local officials.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh S. reassured the public, stating, “We have covered the mosques and are deploying special security around all religious structures. We are monitoring them with both videography and drone surveillance to ensure safety. The peace committee has given its approval, and the cooperation from the minority community is commendable.”
The district administration is hopeful that the celebrations will proceed without incident, maintaining the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb—the spirit of communal harmony—for which the city is known.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra Urdu Academy should be formed, funds and staff should be appointed for the promotion of Urdu language Abu Asim Azmi

Mumbai: Mumbai Maharashtra Legislative Assembly member Abu Asim Azmi has demanded the immediate formation of Urdu Academy to promote Urdu. He said that academies of other languages including Gujarati and Marathi are active, but the condition of Urdu Academy is pathetic. Earlier there were 25 employees in this academy, but now only the superintendent is left. The remaining 24 have retired. The government needs to pay attention to the plight of Urdu.
The formation of this academy will promote Urdu. Azmi demanded that the Urdu Academy is facing difficulties due to the provision of funds. He said that the government allocates Rs 1 crore on paper, but this fund is not provided. Abu Asim Azmi said that Urdu is the language of our country. Whenever the Chief Minister or any other minister speaks in the House, they resort to Urdu poetry. But when it comes to the establishment of Urdu Academy and the development of Urdu language, the government is doing injustice
Maharashtra
On the third day of Maharashtra Assembly, the opposition protested against the corruption of Rs 3000 crore.

Mumbai: On the third day of Maharashtra Assembly in Mumbai, the opposition accused the ruling party of corruption and protested on the stairs of Vidhan Bhavan, accusing the government of giving contracts to every company of its choice. The state’s construction and development department has given a contract of Rs 3000 crore to Mahagathbandhan government’s Megha Engineering Company. Many shortcomings have been found in the work of this company, but despite this it is dear to the government. Therefore, slogans were raised on the stairs of Vidhan Bhavan that giving contract to this company is condemnable. Opposition members were also holding banner posters of contractor Megha Engineering, in which the picture of the owner of Megha Company was also visible. The opposition has intensified its protest against corruption in the Mahagathbandhan government. Shiv Sena opposition leader Ambadas Danve, Congress members and all parties including Congress protested loudly on the stairs of Vidhan Bhavan and drew the attention of the government towards this.
Maharashtra
High Court Issues Notice to Mumbai Police and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Over Mosque Loudspeaker Dispute

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court today issued a notice to Mumbai police authorities and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) regarding a petition filed by five mosques challenging what they term as arbitrary actions involving the removal of loudspeakers and the non-renewal of their licenses.
The petition raises concerns over the recent enforcement actions carried out by police officials, which the mosques allege are unauthorized and infringe upon their religious rights. The petitioners argue that the actions lack proper authority and transparency, leading to undue hardship and disruption of religious activities.
The High Court has directed the police to submit an affidavit along with relevant records concerning the actions taken against these mosques by the next hearing scheduled for July 9, 2025. The court’s directive aims to ensure accountability and transparency in the actions undertaken by law enforcement agencies.
Senior Advocate Yusuf Moochala appeared for the petitioners, effectively representing their interests. Among the legal representatives was Advocate Mubin Solkar, who was highlighted for his advocacy in the proceedings. Other junior counsel also participated in the hearing, emphasizing the case’s importance and the need for clear directives in matters involving religious practices and civil authority.
This case underscores the ongoing tension between law enforcement and religious communities regarding the use of loudspeakers and other religious paraphernalia. The court’s upcoming order will be closely watched by various stakeholders, emphasizing the delicate balance between public regulation and religious freedom.
As the legal process continues, the petitioners hope for a resolution that respects their religious rights while adhering to necessary regulations. The next hearing on July 9 will likely provide further clarity on the measures to be taken by authorities.
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