AIMPLB condemns UCC in Uttarakhand, Waqf Amendment Bill; calls for nationwide protest
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and various Muslim religious and community organisations have strongly opposed the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, terming it deeply unfortunate, undemocratic, and an attack on constitutional rights. They have also condemned the actions of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Waqf, accusing it of violating democratic principles and overstepping its authority in recommending the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.
Muslim leaders have criticised the JPC for disregarding the voices of millions, rejecting opposition members' proposals, and acting in a manner that undermines the constitutional rights of minorities. They asserted that the UCC law in Uttarakhand is not only unconstitutional but also a direct assault on fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens, including the right to practice religion freely. They emphasized that Muslim personal law, governed by the Shariat Application Act of 1937, is an integral part of Islam and enjoys constitutional protection. They further pointed out that no individual state has the authority to implement a Uniform Civil Code.
The AIMPLB, in its meeting in Bengaluru, had already resolved to challenge this law in court. Leaders from Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Dalit, and Adivasi communities had also declared in a joint press conference last July that they would never accept the UCC under any circumstances. Urging Muslims and other affected citizens in Uttarakhand to remain steadfast, the AIMPLB has assured that they will oppose the implementation of this law at every level within the democratic and constitutional framework.
The statement also addressed concerns regarding Waqf properties, with Muslim organisations reaffirming their commitment to protecting these assets from manipulation and unlawful seizure. They strongly rejected the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, accusing the JPC of displaying blatant disregard for parliamentary procedures and democratic traditions. According to the AIMPLB, despite written and verbal representations from the Muslim community, as well as 36.6 million emails sent in opposition to the Bill, the JPC proceeded without considering these objections.
At the Bengaluru meeting, various Muslim organisations unanimously resolved not to allow any attempts to take control of or destroy their places of worship and Waqf properties. The statement warned the government against testing the patience of the Muslim community and leading the country towards authoritarianism. It described the attempt to seize minority properties as outright oppression and called on secular and justice-loving citizens to oppose it.
Expressing disappointment with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies for failing to resist what they termed the BJP’s communal agenda, the AIMPLB called on secular opposition parties to unite and resist the Bill in Parliament. It demanded that the government withdraw the proposed amendments and retain the previous Waqf laws. The statement further warned that if the government failed to do so, Muslims would be left with no choice but to take to the streets in protest.
The AIMPLB and Muslim organisations reiterated their commitment to using all constitutional and democratic means, including a nationwide agitation, to oppose the Bill. They declared their willingness to go to jail if necessary to protect Waqf properties, asserting that they would not allow any force to undermine their rights.
The statement was issued by leading figures of the AIMPLB, including President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, Vice Presidents Maulana Syed Arshad Madani, Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salfi, Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi, and Jb. Syed Sadatullah Husaini. Other key signatories included General Secretary Maulana Mohd. Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, Executive Committee members Maulana Syed Mahmood Asad Madni and Jb. Yusuf Hatim Muchhala, along with spokesperson Dr. SQR Ilyas. The statement was officially released by AIMPLB Office Secretary Dr. Mohd. Vaquar Uddin Latifi.
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IPL: BCCI bans "unauthorised" entries in players' rooms; warns of honey traps, security risk
New Delhi (PTI): Warning of potential "honey traps, legal liability and security risks", the BCCI has banned unauthorised visitors from the hotel rooms of players, support staff and team officials in the IPL after incidents of "misconduct and protocol violations" were flagged by the Board's Anti-Corruption Unit.
In an elaborate advisory for the 10 IPL franchises, the BCCI has said that written authorisation from the team managers would be a must for guests to have access to the players' and officials' rooms.
"The advisory has been issued in light of certain incidents observed during ongoing season and is intended to reinforce the standards of professionalism, discipline, security awareness and protocol compliance expected from all stakeholders associated with IPL," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a communication to the CEOs of the franchises, a copy of which is in possession of PTI.
"It has come to the attention of the BCCI that certain incidents of misconduct and protocol violation have occurred involving players, support staff and team officials during the course of the current IPL season.
"These incidents if left unaddressed, carry the potential to cause significant reputational harm to the tournament, the franchise concerned and the BCCI as the Governing Body. They may further expose individuals and franchises to legal liability and security risks of serious nature," he went on to warn in the preamble of the document.
The Board noted that certain players and support staff members have permitted unauthorised persons to access their hotel rooms without the knowledge or approval of the concerned Team Manager.
"In a number of instances, Team Manager was entirely unaware of the presence of such visitors. The practice is strictly prohibited with immediate effect," the notification ordered.
All players and support staff have now been given a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that needs to be followed for the duration of the tournament.
"No guest shall be escorted to private hotel rooms unless Team Manager has specifically authorised the same in writing. The BCCI draws attention to all franchises to the well documented risks of targeted compromise and honey trapping that pervade high profile sporting environments.
"The possibility of incidents giving rise to serious legal allegations, including those under applicable Indian laws on sexual misconduct cannot be discounted. IPL franchises must remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating such risks at all times," the Board stated.
It also banned players and support staff from leaving team hotels at "irregular hours" without informing their designated Security Liaison Officer (SLO) and Team Integrity Officer (TIO).
Saikia said periodic checks might be conducted by the BCCI or the IPL Operations Team to ensure compliance with the guidelines and breaches would invite sanctions ranging from financial penalties to suspension or disqualification of the concerned player, support staff and team official.
Owners barred from player interaction during games
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The document also highlighted breaches by unspecified team owners, alleging that they have not maintained the sanctity of Players' And Match Officials Access (PMOA).
"Specifically instances have been observed of IPL franchises owners attempting to communicate with, approach, hug, or otherwise physically interact with players during live match situations.
"Such conduct however well-intentioned, directly contravenes established protocol and may constitute interference with team dynamics and match proceedings," the Board asserted.
The BCCI has therefore banned owners from interacting with the players while a match is on.
"IPL franchise owners and their representatives are strictly prohibited from communicating with or physically accessing players or team officials in the dugout, dressing room or playing area during course of the match, except through designated and approved channels.
"All franchise owner level access to restricted zones must strictly conform to the PMOA Protocol as communicated by the IPL operations divisions. Any deviation shall be treated as serious violation."
Prohibition of Vaping
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Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag was seen vaping in the dressing room balcony during a match, causing a uproar. Without naming Riyan, Saikia said indulging in a banned activity as per Indian law will not be tolerated by the Board.
"It is pertinent to note that vapes and electronic cigarettes is prohibited under applicable Indian Law.
"Any individual found engaging in such conduct within tournament premises is not only violating BCCI and IPL regulations but may also be committing a cognisable offence under applicable statutory framework," he said.
"Accordingly the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and all prohibited substances is strictly banned within all IPL tournament venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, team hotels and practice facilities."
