Mumbai: The Maharashtra government’s decision to permit homoeopathic doctors to practise allopathy after completing a one-year pharmacology course has drawn sharp opposition from the state’s allopathic medical fraternity. Around 1.8 lakh allopathic doctors will observe a one-day statewide strike on September 18.

From September 17, the government will start separate registration of homoeopaths with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), allowing those who have completed the CCMP course to practise modern (allopathic) medicine within a restricted scope.

In protest, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a one-day strike on September 18, with about 1.8 lakh allopathic doctors pledging support. All private hospitals and nursing homes will close their out-patient departments (OPDs) for new patients from 8 a.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Friday, and private clinics will also remain shut. In-patient services and surgeries are expected to be affected.

Dr Santosh Kadam, president of IMA Maharashtra, said allowing homoeopathic doctors to practise allopathy after a short certification course “is playing with patients’ health.” Wrong medicines or misdiagnosis in emergencies could endanger lives, he warned. The resident doctors’ organisations of government and BMC medical colleges — Central MARD and BMC MARD — have also opposed the move.

The Federation of All India Medical Associations president Dr Akshay Dongardive warned that if the government does not roll back its decision, doctors will launch a nationwide agitation, even taking to the streets to alert the public about the risks.

The strike has also gained support from the Bombay Nursing Home Association, Maharashtra Senior Resident Doctors’ Association (MSRDA), the organisation of Medical Officers in Government Hospitals, Maharashtra Ophthalmological Society, and the Maharashtra unit of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, among several other medical bodies.

The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on September 14, Sunday was a one-sided fixture as the Men in Blue sealed a comfortable seven-wicket victory. However, fans have the prospect of watching the two teams lock horns again on September 21 if Pakistan qualify for the Super 4.

Pakistan face a boom or bust defeat after a humiliating defeat to the Men in Blue on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. While the Men in Green still boasts of a positive net run-rate, they must beat UAE in their final group game on Wednesday. Should Pakistan qualify from Group A, they will play India on September 21 in Dubai.

If Pakistan lose their match to UAE and UAE beat Oman, UAE will have four points under their belt, enabling them to progress.

UAE are currently at the bottom of the points table in Group A with a net run-rate of -10.483. But two wins will take the net run-rate out of equation. UAE can still qualify if they beat Pakistan and their game against Oman is washed out due to rain as their points tally will be higher. For Oman to qualify, they must beat an in-form Indian side and UAE. Additionally, they must also hope for Pakistan to face a loss or no result against UAE.

Meanwhile, tensions boiled over after the match as the Indian team refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterpart following the win. As a result, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha did not do the post-game presentation duties.

Hence, fans can expect heightened tensions should the two teams meet again in the multi-nation tournament.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday delivered a significant verdict on the *Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The court refused to suspend the entire Act but imposed an *interim stay on several controversial provisions. The ruling has triggered widespread debate as the Waqf law has long been a politically and socially sensitive issue.

Which Provisions Have Been Suspended?

1. Five-Year Practicing Muslim Condition
   The Act required that a person establishing a Waqf must have been a “practicing Muslim” for at least five years. The Supreme Court stayed this provision, observing that the term lacks a clear definition and cannot be enforced without proper guidelines.
2. Collector’s Authority Over Waqf Property
   The amendment empowered District Collectors to decide whether a property qualifies as Waqf property. The court suspended this clause, stating that it could undermine citizens’ rights and interfere with judicial processes.
3. Cap on Non-Muslim Members in Waqf Boards and Council
   The Act limited the inclusion of non-Muslims to three in State Waqf Boards and four in the Central Waqf Council. The Supreme Court has stayed this restriction as well.
4. CEO Must Be from Muslim Community
   Another provision directed that, as far as possible, the CEO of a Waqf Board should belong to the Muslim community. This clause has also been put on hold.

The bench clarified that suspending the entire law would not be appropriate, but certain disputed provisions must remain on hold until the matter is fully heard. All stakeholders will be allowed to present detailed arguments in the upcoming hearings.

Opposition parties have welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, calling it a safeguard of constitutional values, while the government has defended the amendment, saying it aimed to bring more transparency and accountability in Waqf property management.

For now, the stay is interim and will remain effective until the court delivers its final verdict. The upcoming hearings will determine whether these provisions will be struck down permanently or modified for compliance with constitutional principles.

This ruling is expected to have a major impact on Waqf property administration across India and will likely fuel further nationwide debate in the coming months.