Eid namaz on road: Meerut Police warns of strict action that may lead to passport cancellation
Meerut, Mar 28 (PTI): Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and last Friday prayers of Ramzan, Meerut Police has issued strict warnings against unauthorised roadside prayers, saying violators will face strict legal action that may lead to their passports getting cancelled and driving licences revoked.
Union minister and RLD chief Jayant Singh was among the first to react to this decision, when he posted on X: " Policing towards Orwellian 1984!"
In his iconic novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four", George Orwell talks about law enforcers or Thought Police who have immense powers.
SP City Ayush Vikram Singh reiterated that Eid prayers should be offered at local mosques or designated Eidgahs and that no one should perform Namaz on the roads.
"Last year, some individuals defied the directives and prayed on the roads, leading to action against more than 80 people. This time, anyone violating the rule will face strict legal action," Singh told PTI Videos, adding that notices have already been issued regarding this.
He also warned that those involved in such cases may have their passports and licences revoked.
"If criminal cases are registered against individuals, their passports and licenses can be cancelled, and obtaining a new passport would become difficult without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the court. Such documents remain confiscated until the individuals are cleared by the court," Singh explained.
Meerut SSP Vipin Tada told PTI Videos that security agencies are coordinating closely with district administration, religious leaders, and local stakeholders to ensure a peaceful celebration.
Meetings have been conducted at both the district and police station levels, and necessary directives have been issued based on discussions with all parties.
"Strict action will be taken against those trying to spread rumours or incite unrest through social media. We are keeping a close watch on social media platforms, and any attempt to disrupt communal harmony will be dealt with firmly," the SSP said.
To bolster security, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed, and flag marches are being conducted in the district, Tada said. Sensitive areas have been identified based on past experiences, and special arrangements have been made there.
Tada further emphasized that the administration is working in coordination with prominent citizens and religious leaders to maintain peace and ensure smooth observance of the upcoming festivals.
To ensure law and order, Singh said that drones will be deployed for aerial surveillance, while local intelligence teams are actively monitoring the situation. Uniformed and plainclothes officers will also be stationed at all sensitive locations, he added.
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Muslim Personal Law Board urges MPs to oppose Waqf Amendment Bill
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 and has appealed to all secular political parties, including allies of the ruling BJP, to reject it in Parliament. The bill is set to be presented on April 2, Wednesday and the Board has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) not to support it “under any circumstances.”
The President of AIMPLB, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, called the proposed amendment unfair and unconstitutional, stating that it violates Articles 14, 25, and 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee equality and religious freedom.
According to him, the bill is part of a larger plan to weaken Waqf laws and make it easier for government authorities to seize Waqf properties.
He pointed out that, despite the existence of the Places of Worship Act, there is a growing trend of questioning the religious identity of mosques. If the amendment is passed, he warned, government officials such as Collectors and District Magistrates will have greater power to take control of Waqf properties. This, he said, could lead to an increase in illegal claims on these lands.
The Board President highlighted several key changes in the bill that he believes would harm the Waqf system. These include the removal of Waqf by-user, the lifting of exemptions from the Law of Limitation, and the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council.
Additionally, he criticized the proposed reduction in the powers of the Waqf Tribunal and the shift of dispute resolution to government officials rather than the Tribunal. He argued that these changes would strip Waqf properties of their legal protection and open the door for government control.
He also pointed out that similar legal protections exist for religious endowments of other communities, and targeting only Muslim Waqf properties would be discriminatory.
Maulana Rahmani expressed concern that such actions threaten India’s tradition of communal harmony and mutual respect between Hindus and Muslims. He stated, “our country is globally recognized for Hindu-Muslim brotherhood and for mutual respect for each other's religions, customs and festivals. However, unfortunately, the power of the nation is currently in the hands of those who seek to destroy this atmosphere of communal harmony and create anarchy and chaos.”
In his appeal, he urged MPs to stand with the Muslim community and oppose the bill, stating that millions of Muslims across India are counting on them to protect their rights.
