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Showing posts with the label Secularism

Muslim Scholars and Clerics Demand Clarity from Secular Parties on Waqf (Amendment) Bill

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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...

Supreme Court to Examine Plea on Applicability of Sharia Law to Non-Believer Muslims

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Supreme Court to Examine Plea on Applicability of Sharia Law to Non-Believer Muslims The Supreme Court of India has agreed to examine a plea that raises questions about the applicability of Sharia law to non-believer Muslims. The plea seeks a declaration that individuals who do not wish to be governed by Muslim Personal Law should have the option to be governed by the secular laws of the country. Petition Filed by Safiya PM The petition was filed by Safiya PM, a Kerala-based woman who identifies as a non-believer Muslim. She argues that she should be governed by the Indian Succession Act of 1925 concerning inheritance, rather than Sharia law. According to her, under Sharia law, individuals who leave Islam are excluded from their community and lose inheritance rights in their parental property. Challenge to Sharia Law Restrictions Safiya PM's plea highlights that Sharia law restricts a Muslim person from bequeathing more than 1/3rd of their properties by way of a will. This limitati...

Supreme Court Stays Allahabad HC's Striking Down of Madrasa Education Act

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Supreme Court Stays Allahabad HC's Striking Down of Madrasa Education Act The Supreme Court of India has intervened in a significant legal matter concerning the 'UP Board of Madarsa Education Act 2004', staying the judgement of the Allahabad High Court that had previously struck down the act. According to the petitioner's lawyer, Pradeep Kumar Yadav, the apex court deemed the High Court's order as unconstitutional and contradictory to secularism and fundamental rights. Legal Implications and Key Points of the Supreme Court Order Pradeep Kumar Yadav, representing the petitioner, highlighted crucial aspects of the Supreme Court's decision. Firstly, the apex court refuted the Allahabad High Court's assertion that 'secular' education was lacking in Madrasas. Secondly, it rejected the High Court's claim of unconstitutionality regarding the Madrasa Education Act. Moreover, the Supreme Court emphasized the provision of the right to education, particular...