PANNA: A madrasa in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna district was demolished on Saturday, April 12, marking the first reported instance of a Muslim-owned property being affected under the recently enforced Waqf Amendment Act.
The madrasa, situated in BD Colony and reportedly in existence for nearly three decades, was alleged by authorities to have been constructed illegally, according to a report by the Times of India. The owner, however, contended that he had obtained the necessary permissions from the local gram panchayat.
Officials stated that a final notice had been issued regarding the building, but the demolition was delayed due to ongoing legal proceedings. With the enactment of the Waqf Amendment Act, the land now falls under the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation, leading authorities to deem the structure illegal.
To avoid direct action under the new law, the owner opted to voluntarily demolish the madrasa using a bulldozer.
The Waqf Amendment Act officially came into effect on April 8, following presidential assent on April 5. It was passed by Parliament after heated discussions in both Houses.
Several Muslim organisations, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), along with opposition members, have approached the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the Act. While the ruling government argues that the law promotes transparency and supports underprivileged Muslims and women, critics allege that it violates minority rights.
Meanwhile, a day earlier, violent clashes in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district resulted in three deaths and over 200 arrests. Responding to the unrest, the Calcutta High Court ordered immediate deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to maintain law and order.
