Mumbai Press Exclusive News
Is the New Waqf Bill Beneficial for the Muslim Community? Report: Qamar Ansari

The recently introduced Waqf Bill by the government has once again sparked debate within the Muslim community. The bill is being presented as a step towards better management, transparency, and protection of Waqf properties across the country. However, differing opinions have emerged over whether it truly serves the interests of the Muslim community.
The new bill includes several key provisions, such as enhancing the powers of Waqf Boards, introducing a digital registry of Waqf properties, and initiating strict action against illegal encroachments. The government claims that the bill will ensure the protection of Waqf assets and that the revenue generated from them can be effectively used for education, healthcare, and welfare projects.
However, some religious and social organizations have expressed concerns. They argue that Waqf properties are inherently linked to religious purposes, and direct government interference could compromise religious autonomy. Some fear that the bill may hinder the freedom and original purpose of Waqf properties.
On the other hand, legal experts and reformist voices believe that if implemented honestly, the bill could be a positive step for the Muslim community. With better administration of Waqf assets—many of which have been mismanaged or encroached upon—the community could benefit in significant ways.
What’s the Difference Between the Old and the New Waqf Bill?
Old Waqf Law:
The earlier Waqf law, enacted under the “Waqf Act 1995,” aimed to regulate and safeguard thousands of Waqf properties across India. Key features included:
- Establishment of State Waqf Boards.
- Responsibility for property management vested in the Boards.
- Mandatory registration of Waqf properties.
- Appointment of Mutawallis (caretakers) with board approval.
Over time, however, the law revealed weaknesses in its implementation. Problems such as illegal encroachments, corruption, and ineffective oversight continued to rise.
New Waqf Bill:
The new Waqf Bill introduces several major changes, aiming to modernize the system, enhance transparency, and incorporate technology. Key provisions include:
- Digital Registry: All Waqf properties to be registered and monitored online.
- Central Database: A national Waqf portal to provide public access to information.
- Action Against Encroachments: Legal powers to swiftly remove illegal occupants.
- Administrative Transparency: Stronger audit mechanisms and transparent functioning of Waqf Boards.
- Grievance Redressal System: A responsive complaint cell to address corruption and misuse.
Summary of Differences:
Aspect | Waqf Act 1995 (Old Law) | Waqf Bill 2025 (New Bill) |
---|---|---|
Registration | Manual registry | Digital registry with a national portal |
Oversight | State-level monitoring | Centralized oversight and national database |
Transparency | Limited | Enhanced transparency and robust auditing system |
Action Against Encroachment | Lengthy legal process | Swift legal action provision |
Public Participation | Weak grievance mechanism | Active grievance redressal system |
The use of modern technology, improved transparency, and administrative reforms in the new Waqf Bill are promising aspects. However, some scholars and religious groups worry that increasing government involvement may infringe upon religious autonomy. The actual impact of the bill will largely depend on its execution and the extent to which the Muslim community is consulted and included in the process.
For now, it remains too early to say whether the bill will prove to be entirely beneficial for the Muslim community. Its success hinges on fair implementation and inclusive governance.
Maharashtra
Denial of admitting Muslim students to Dayanand Arya Kanya Vidyalaya after Nagpur riots, demands strict action against Nagpur school: Rais Shaikh

Mumbai: After Nagpur’s Dayanand Arya Kanya Vidyalaya refused to admit Muslim students on religious grounds, Samajwadi Party MLA from Bhiwandi East Rais Shaikh has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take strict action against the school. MLA Rais Shaikh also urged that all schools in the state be warned not to discriminate against students on the basis of religion.
Speaking on the issue, MLA Rais Shaikh said that Dayanand Arya Kanya Vidyalaya in Nagpur is run by a minority group. MLA Rais Shaikh said that there was a religious communal violence in Nagpur recently. After this, the school adopted a policy of not admitting Muslim students. The school secretary issued a verbal order to the teachers, which resulted in the shocking incident of keeping the admission applications of Muslim students pending despite the availability of seats.
MLA Rais Shaikh further said that the concerned parents have filed a complaint with the Jaripatka police station and the State Minorities Commission. A case has been registered against the school secretary Rajesh Lalwani and teacher Simran Gyanchandani under section 299 of the Bharatiya Naya Sanhita for hurting religious sentiments. This is a serious incident, and strict action should be taken against the school administration. A stern warning should be given to all schools across the state to ensure that such incidents do not happen anywhere else.
MLA Rais Shaikh also stressed that after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, all Indian citizens of different religions showed unity and solidarity. While there is an atmosphere of religious harmony and unity in the country, the incident with Muslim students in Nagpur is condemnable. The School Education and Minorities Department should take strict action in this matter.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Deonar Eid-ul-Azha preparations, Online Sacrifice Authorization facility from BMC My App

Mumbai: All preparations have been started in the backdrop of the import of sacrificial animals in Deonar Mandi before Eid-ul-Adha. Special arrangements have also been made for the slaughter of buffaloes and sacrificial animals in Deonar. The Mumbai Municipal Corporation has introduced an online facility for permission to slaughter sacrificial animals on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. A coordination meeting of various agencies was held under the chairmanship of Additional Municipal Commissioner, City, Dr. Ashwini Joshi regarding the preparations for Eid.
Various elaborate arrangements at Deonar Slaughterhouse for slaughter of sacrificial animals. This year, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation has made an online facility available on the MyBMC application to apply for permission to slaughter sacrificial animals on the occasion of Eid. Also, online arrangements have been made for the import license of buffaloes and goats for the slaughter of sacrificial animals as well as ‘slot booking’ on the website https://www.mcgm.gov.in. Also, various elaborate arrangements have been made for the cattle market and the slaughter of sacrificial animals at the Deonar Slaughter House. Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. has directed that all the agencies involved in this entire system should work together to fulfill their responsibilities.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. reviewed the preparations made in the backdrop of Eid-ul-Azha. Ashwini Joshini reviewed the coordination meeting held at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Headquarters. Mumbai Municipal Corporation Deputy Commissioner (Special) Chanda Jadhav, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-3) Pradeep Chavan, Assistant Commissioner (Property) Prithviraj Chauhan, Assistant Commissioner (M-East) Shri Ujjal Angule, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Deonar Division) Rajesh Babishti, along with General Manager of Deonar Reservoir Dr. Kaleem Pasha Pathan, officers from various departments of Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Police Force, Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai Veterinary College, Kora Centre, Department of Legal Metrology, Adani Electricity and other agencies were present on the occasion.
Maharashtra
No more Mumbai Special Commissioner, now Joint Police Commissioner Intelligence State Government and Ministry of Home Affairs issued a new post in Mumbai

Deven Bharti
Mumbai: After appointing Special Commissioner Deven Bharti as the head of Mumbai in Mumbai city, now with the abolition of the post of Special Commissioner, the Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to appoint a Joint Police Commissioner Intelligence in this post. This decision has been introduced to ensure the security of Mumbai city and the visits of VPIs, especially the frequent visits of the President of India, Vice President of India and Ministers to Mumbai and the security and intelligence collection of important installations. The responsibilities of the Joint Police Commissioner Intelligence are to collect intelligence in Mumbai city, protect the city and perform services under the Commissioner.
The Home Ministry has clarified in its order that the post of Special Commissioner was of the ADG i.e. Additional DG level and has now been downgraded to the level of Joint Commissioner of Police Mumbai Director General IG and after this amendment, now instead of the post of Special Commissioner, Joint Police Commissioner has been declared eligible for it. In such a situation, after this amendment, it has become clear that the first and last Special Commissioner in Mumbai was Deven Bharti and this post was created for Deven Bharti in Mumbai. Deven Bharti is also the special secretary of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, hence he was appointed as Special Commissioner in Mumbai. Now there is no space for this post, hence the government has downgraded this post and changed the name of this post to Joint Police Commissioner Intelligence.
The decision to create this post to strengthen intelligence in Mumbai city has been taken by the state home ministry, but reliable sources say that since Deven Bharti has been appointed as a commissioner from a special commissioner, there was no scope for this post for the state government. Instead, the state government and the home ministry have amended the gist of this post and changed it to the post of Joint Police Commissioner Intelligence so that it does not seem that the post of Special Commissioner has been abolished after Deven Bharti was appointed as the police commissioner. Earlier, there were five joint police commissioners in the Mumbai commissionerate, but now after the creation of this post, there will be 6 joint police commissioners.
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