Mumbai, June 30, 2025 — The controversy surrounding remarks made by Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi continues to unfold as he has approached the Bombay High Court seeking to quash multiple FIRs registered against him. The filings stem from comments in which Azmi referred to India as ‘a golden sparrow’—a phrase he linked to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb—drawing widespread attention and sparking debates over the nature of these remarks.

Azmi’s petition argues that his statements have been misinterpreted and taken out of context, claiming they are part of a historical narrative rather than a political statement. He contends that criminal proceedings against him are unjustified and that his freedom of speech should be protected under constitutional rights.

The FIRs, registered across various districts, allege that Azmi’s comments could incite communal tensions and offend sentiments linked to national identity. Critics have accused Azmi of making divisive remarks, while supporters argue that his statements are historical references meant to shed light on past rulers and avoid misrepresentations.

Legal experts suggest that the case revolves around balancing free speech against the potential to incite discord. The court’s decision on whether to dismiss the FIRs could have broader implications for political discourse and expression of historical perspectives in India.

As the matter remains under judicial review, it continues to fuel discussions across political circles and social media, highlighting the sensitive nature of historical narratives and freedom of expression in contemporary India.

Mumbai: After the implementation of the Waqf law, Mufti Manzoor Zia’s book Waqf Sharia, Politics and Reforms in the Indian Context was launched at the Mumbai Press Club, in which Mufti Manzoor Zia openly admitted about the book and said that this book focuses on the Sharia status of Waqf and other issues in the context of Waqf law. This book has a very detailed discussion about Waqf in the context of Islamic teachings. Mufti Manzoor said that there has been a long series of protests against the Waqf law, but till now there has been large-scale division and misuse of Waqf properties.

Protesting against this act is a democratic right, but it cannot be done regardless of what has happened to the ownership of Waqf so far and who is occupying its property. Eliminating encroachment from the ownership of Waqf is also the need of the hour. This Waqf is done in the way of God, but the common Muslims have not benefited from the ownership of this Waqf. Big protests and processions are being held, but why no hospitals, educational institutions and medical institutions have been built on the endowment property? He said that even the talented people of the nation are not able to get educational scholarships. The condition of the Imams is pathetic.

The 12-year-old child of an Imam is struggling between life and death in a government hospital. That Imam cannot provide him medical aid because he has no resources. He said that the works that have been brought to light in the context of the Endowment Act are an attempt to highlight the status of the endowment as much as possible. When Mufti Manzoor Zia was asked what was the purpose of bringing this work to light only after the implementation of the Endowment Act, he said that the process of preparing the work related to the ownership of the endowment and its Sharia requirements was already underway.

It is a coincidence that it was released after the Endowment Act. He said that the Waqf property is reserved for Muslims but it is useless because petty thefts to corruption are common in it. He was asked whether the implementation of the Waqf Act will benefit Muslims now. He said that the matter related to the Waqf Act is under hearing in the Supreme Court, so it is too early to say anything on this right now. Congress leader Nizamuddin Rain, Anjuman Bashingan Bihar Mahmoodul Hasan Hakimi, scholars, elders of the city and dignitaries attended the function.

Mumbai: ISIS leader and former CM member Saqib Nachan was laid to rest at Bhiwandi Padgha. The body of Saqib Nachan was brought to his house last night and brought home with a motorcycle rally. Thereafter, the funeral procession was taken out at 8:30 am and the Janaza Namaz was offered at the cemetery and mourners bid a tearful goodbye to Saqib Nachan. Before cremating Saqib Nachan at the Gram Panchayat cemetery, a high alert was issued at the police station and Bhiwandi. Also, there was a possibility of protests by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Hindu organizations, so the police had made tight security arrangements during the funeral procession.

SP District Dr. S Swamy was supervising the funeral procession. Mourners from Mumbra, Bhiwandi, Kurla, Kalyan and other suburban areas also joined the funeral procession of Saqib Nachan. There was a long queue of mourners. According to the police, 2,000 to 1,500 mourners attended the funeral procession. Police said that there was a high alert in the police stations of Padgha and Bhiwandi for the funeral procession. The police have also made a video recording of the funeral procession. Saqib Nachan was admitted to a Delhi hospital complaining of brain hemorrhage. Nachan was on a hospital bed for four days. Saqib Nachan was considered a messiah and not a terrorist in Padgha, while Nachan is accused of being involved in terrorist activities. He was arrested by the NIA in 2023 for having links with ISIS. Along with this, the NIA claimed that Nachan had made himself the Amir of ISIS and was involved in anti-national activities, so he was arrested. The ATS also raided 22 places in Mumbai police station including Padgha and seized several controversial documents and literature of ISIS as well as electronic gadgets and equipment.