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Is the New Waqf Bill Beneficial for the Muslim Community? Report: Qamar Ansari

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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:

AspectWaqf Act 1995 (Old Law)Waqf Bill 2025 (New Bill)
RegistrationManual registryDigital registry with a national portal
OversightState-level monitoringCentralized oversight and national database
TransparencyLimitedEnhanced transparency and robust auditing system
Action Against EncroachmentLengthy legal processSwift legal action provision
Public ParticipationWeak grievance mechanismActive 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

An example of Hindu-Muslim unity at the Dahi Handi celebration in Mahim, Mumbai.

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Mumbai: Setting an example of Hindu-Muslim unity in Mumbai, the Govinda Pathaks have offered the first salute at the entrance gate of the Astana of Maham Hazrat Makhdoom Faqih Ali Mahim. The trustee of the dargah, Sohail Khandwani, said that this is the specialty of India that here everyone respects each other’s religion and the Maham Dargah is the cradle of Hindu-Muslim unity and unity. Everyone attends here without any discrimination, religion or nationality. This is the reason why the Govinda Pathaks offer salute here every year in the traditional way. This tradition has been established for centuries because India is a country of Sufi saints. In the backdrop of Gokul Ashtami Dahi Handi, the police have issued an alert at the Mumbai police station. The police used drones to monitor the Govinda Pathaks. The height of the dahi handi was also fixed. In addition, children were banned from participating in high dahi handi. The festival of Dahi Handi was celebrated with enthusiasm in Mumbai city and its suburbs. In view of this, the traffic police had also blocked the highways so that action could be taken against the violation of traffic rules. Under this, the traffic police has also taken action against the violation of traffic rules. Mumbai Police Commissioner Devin Bharti had claimed that strict security arrangements were made for Dahi Handi in Mumbai city. Accordingly, DCP Raj Tilak Roshan said that the police are fully prepared for Dahi Handi and the situation is also being monitored. Apart from this, surveillance is also being carried out using drones. DCP Raj Tilak Roshan has also appealed for compliance with the law on Dahi Handi. According to the information received from various government and BMC hospitals about the injured Govindas till noon, more than 25 Govinda Pathaks have been injured while the Dahi Handi festival is still going on. In such a situation, BMC hospitals are constantly on alert mode, along with the police, there is also an alert. No untoward incident of any kind took place during Dahi Handi in Mumbai, however, there have been incidents of Govinda Pathaks getting injured and many have been discharged after treatment. Govinda Pathaks gave the first salute from the Astana of Mumbai’s Maham Hazrat Makhdoom Faqih Ali Mahayami and presented proof of Hindu-Muslim unity and solidarity. This Govinda Mandal raises the slogan of Baba Makhdoom and Maa Sahib ki Jai every year by giving the salute at the Astana of Makhdoom in the same style. This is a slap in the face of the haters. It promotes solidarity and unity. The police had made strict security arrangements at Dahi Handi, due to which no untoward incident of any kind took place in Mumbai.

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Maharashtra

Five arrested for tampering with taxi and auto-rickshaw fare meters in Mumbai, cheating passengers financially and installing fake technical devices in the meters.

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Mumbai: On September 2, around 8 am, Police Constable Nilesh Salunke received information from his informant that many rickshaw and taxi drivers in Dahisar area were using a device in their meters to artificially increase the fares and were robbing passengers. The information was passed on to the seniors who confirmed the matter and ordered further action.

To verify this, on September 1, a fake passenger was sent for a journey in taxi number MH 01 CJ 6487. The taxi driver concerned had covered his fare meter. And due to his suspicious activities, the taxi driver was detained along with the taxi and after writing to the Regional Transport Department, Borivali Kandivali, Dahisar East Mumbai, the said taxi was examined by them and it was found that the electronic running circuit device in the taxi fare meter was illegally tampered with by connecting wires and through this, the common passengers were cheated by increasing the artificial fare. In this regard, when further investigation was done, it was installed in taxi number MH 01 CJ 6487 by Islam Nama Amin Ramzan Pathan, age 31 years, profession – Rickshaw Driver / Electrician. When he was taken into confidence and questioned, it was found that the electronic running circuit device in the fare meter in 04 more taxis / rickshaws was illegally tampered with by connecting wires. In this regard, a case has been registered at Dahisar Police Station under Section 1293/26, Section 318 (4) of the Indian Penal Code – 2023 and Sections 33, 35 and Section 145 (a) of the MV Act. Here near Gokul Anand Hotel, Ashok One, Dahisar East, Mumbai Taxi/Rickshaw seized for tampering with fare meter Maruti Suzuki Company black yellow taxi number MH01CJ6487 Bajaj Company black yellow rickshaw number MH02DU0777 Bajaj Company black yellow rickshaw number MH03BY4268 Maruti Suzuki Company black yellow taxi number MH02BQ7392, Maruti Artica Cool Cab MH-01-EM-604 Seized goods
(Used for tampering with fare meter) Electronic running circuit along with it of accused
1) Zaheb Altaf Deshmukh Age – 32 years
2) Amin Ramzan Pathan Age – 31 years
3) Riaz Abdul Ghani Sheikh Age – 45 years
4) Nazir Ibrahim Patel Age – 57 years
5) Anand Kumar Nanak Prasad Rai Age – 60 years Action taken against Along with this, the accused have been arrested and further investigation is underway.

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A boat developed a technical fault near the Gateway of India, following which the police safely rescued the boat and its passengers.

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Mumbai: Gateway of India Police safely rescued the sea boat and passengers. The sea ferry boat ‘Anwari’, which makes a half-hour sea trip from the Gateway of India, broke down in the sea at a distance of about 1.5 nautical miles, while returning to the Gateway at around 3:30 pm. A total of 38 people were on board the ship, including 34 passengers and 4 crew members. As soon as this information was received from the control room, Police Constable Abhijit Shinde and Police Naik Guru of Bat No. 01 immediately understood the seriousness of the situation and started inquiring about other boats in the vicinity. They came to know that the ferry boat ‘Azad Hind’ was near the stranded ship. After this, they contacted Junaid Mulla, the owner of ‘Azad Hind’, and arranged for ‘Azad Hind’ to be sent to the location of the disabled boat. ‘Azad Hind’ arrived immediately, towed ‘Anwari’ back and brought it safely to Jetty No. 2 at Gateway of India. All 34 passengers and 4 crew members on board are safe. The passengers and the boat were rescued due to the presence of mind and cooperation of the Mumbai Police constables, which is also being praised on social media. While the boat that was stuck in the sea was broken and unable to travel further, the police provided immediate assistance, due to which a major accident was averted.

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