Dawoodi Bohra community seeks exemption from Waqf amendment bill during JPC meeting
New Delhi: The Dawoodi Bohra community on Tuesday, petitioned for exclusion from the Waqf Amendment Bill, citing the need to protect their unique religious practices and administration. Represented by Senior Advocate Harish Salve, the community asserted its rights before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Tuesday, requesting that Dawoodi Bohra properties remain outside Waqf Board jurisdiction. Salve emphasised that the community’s al-Dai al-Mutlaq leadership, recognised by the Supreme Court, should retain control over its assets, arguing that Waqf Board authority would compromise their fundamental rights.
The JPC session also heard from other organizations, including the Akhil Bhartiya Adhivakta Parishad and academic representatives, who broadly supported the bill while suggesting adjustments. However, debates around the Waqf Amendment Bill intensified as Opposition MPs accused JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal of arbitrarily managing discussions. Opposition parties, including Congress, DMK, and AAP, raised concerns with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging that non-stakeholders were prioritised in the sessions, limiting the Opposition's input.
With approximately 25 sessions already conducted, the JPC is set to reconvene after November 9, resuming consultations with stakeholders across various states. Despite opposition complaints, Chairman Pal defended the JPC’s inclusivity, stating that regular meetings provide all members adequate speaking time.
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Defamatory post against Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade: Case registered against Girish Mattannavar
Belthangady: A case has been registered at Dharmasthala police station against Girish Mattannavar over a complaint regarding alleged defamatory posts on social media against Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala.
The complaint was filed by Subrahmanya Prasad, a resident of Dharmasthala.
The complainant stated that Mattannavar posted content on Instagram making allegations against Dr. Heggade and allegedly affecting his reputation.
Based on the complaint, a case was registered under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which is related to spreading false information, rumours, or alarming news, on April 18, and the investigation is in progress.
Following information about Mattannavar’s appearance at the SIT office on May 7, a police officer from Dharmasthala police station issued a notice directing him to appear at the station within a week.
