Waqf Amendment Bill: Amit Shah says no provision of non-Muslim involvement in religious matter
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday addressed concerns regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, stating that non-Muslims will not be involved in any religious affairs related to Waqf properties. His remarks came while speaking in the Lok Sabha, where the bill was tabled for consideration and passage.
Shah clarified that non-Muslim members will be included only in the Council and Waqf Board, but their role will be limited to administrative matters concerning properties donated under Waqf law. They will not interfere in religious activities or the management of religious institutions, he assured.
"First of all, no non-Muslim would come into the Waqf. Understand this clearly... There is no such provision to include any non-Muslim among those who manage religious institutions; we do not want to do this," Shah said. He added that there is a misconception being spread that the amendment would interfere with religious practices or Waqf properties, which he claimed was an attempt to mislead the minority community for political reasons.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, was presented by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, following recommendations by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. Waqf refers to assets donated solely for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law, and their use for any other purpose is prohibited.
Shah further emphasized that only property legally owned by an individual can be donated under Waqf law. "A person cannot donate government property or property that belongs to someone else," he said.
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SC to hear plea on air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR on Dec 17
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Monday said it will list for hearing on December 17 a plea related to worsening air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pamcholi took note of the submissions of senior advocate Aprajita Singh, who is assisting it as an amicus curiae, that though the preventive measures are there in place but the key issue was of their poor implementation by the authorities.
Singh said till this court directs something, the authorities do not comply with the protocols which are already there.
“This is coming up before a three judges bench on Wednesday. It will come up,” the CJI said.
Another lawyer referred to an application relating to the health issue of children, and said schools, despite the earlier orders, are holding outdoor sports activities.
“Despite the order of this court, Schools have found ways and means to have these sporting activities.. it is taking place. The CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) is again citing the order of this court,” the amicus also said.
“We know the problem and let us pass orders which can be complied with. There are some directions which can be forcibly imposed. In these urban metropolitan cities people have their own lifestyle. But the poor…,” the CJI said.
The amicus said the poor labourers are the worst ones to suffer.
Earlier the bench had said the plea against air pollution cannot be treated as a "customary" case to be listed only during the winter months only.
It had said the case will be taken twice in a month to find out short and long-term solutions to the menace.
Delhi on Monday choked under a thick blanket of smog, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 498, which falls in the higher spectrum of 'severe' category.
The air quality was 'severe' at 38 stations while it was 'very poor' at two stations. Jahangirpuri, which recorded an AQI of 498, recorded the worst air quality amongst all 40 stations.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.
The AQI in Delhi had climbed to 461 on Sunday and marked the city's most polluted day this winter and the second-worst December air quality day on record, as weak winds and low temperatures trapped pollutants close to the surface.
