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In a significant ruling reinforcing the separation of religion and state finances, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has prohibited the state government from utilising temple donations for public welfare or non-religious schemes. The decision, delivered by a Division Bench of Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Rakesh Kainthla , marks an important precedent for protecting religious endowments and ensuring accountability in temple administration. The Case: Petition for Transparency and Religious Autonomy The order came while disposing of a petition filed by Kashmir Chand Shadyal , who sought strict compliance with the Himachal Pradesh Hindu Public Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1984 . The petitioner raised concerns that donations made by devotees to temples were being diverted toward general government welfare schemes — a move that, he argued, violated both the intent of the Act and constitutional principles protecting religious freedom. The court agreed, ru...

Muslim Scholars and Clerics Demand Clarity from  Secular Parties on Waqf (Amendment) Bill In a critical political move, Muslim scholars, clerics, and intellectuals have called upon "secular political parties" to clarify their stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which has recently been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. This demand arises ahead of key Assembly elections in states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand, marking the first major elections since the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Concerns Over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, once passed, will be known as the United Waqf Act Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act (UMEED). The Muslim community has expressed significant concerns over this bill, particularly regarding the potential reduction of power for Waqf Boards. A meeting at Islam Gymkhana, hosted by Tareek-e-Awkaf and the All India Ulema Board, saw key figures such as Shabbir Ansari, Yusuf Abraha...