Latest news with #non-Muslim
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Delhi HC rejects plea to halt razing of Pak Hindu refugee camp
Pakistani Hindu refugees cannot be entitled to seek alternate accommodation as a matter of legal right on account of their foreign nationality, the Delhi high court has held Dismissing a petition by the refugees seeking to restrain the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) from demolishing a refugee camp at Majnu Ka Tilla, until their resettlement on an alternative land, a bench of justice Dharmesh Sharma said that the petitioners cannot rely on May 2013 direction of the Centre to seek alternate accommodation as a matter of legal right. The court was hearing a plea filed by an activist Ravi Ranjan Singh against the proposed demolition of a refugee camp by DDA. Taking up the cause of approximately 800 Hindu refugees from Pakistan, Singh urged the court to restrain DDA from demolishing the camp, until they were allowed an alternate land to reside in view of government's policy to give shelter to non-Muslim minorities from countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh as per the Citizenship Amendment Act. He further asserted that the primary responsibility to accommodate the said refugees rests on the Centre's shoulders, as the plea relied on the Centre's May 2013 statement on extending support to the Hindu community which came to India from Pakistan. 'This Court has no hesitation in holding that the petitioner herein is not entitled to the reliefs sought by way of the present petition. First and foremost, the order dated 29.05.2013 passed in Nahar Singh case does not contain any direction to suggest that an alternate accommodation was promised to the said group of refugees by the Government of India, or that they were entitled to such allotment, thus, the petitioner herein cannot seek alternate accommodation as a matter of legal right,' the court opined. Additionally, the order stated that even under the Delhi Slum & JJ Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2015, any person sought to be relocated and rehabilitated must first and foremost be a citizen of India to become eligible for the allotment of alternate dwelling units. 'In view of the aforesaid, the position that emerges is that the Pakistani refugees cannot be rehabilitated under the DUSIB Policy on account of their foreign nationality status. The petitioner and other similarly placed refugees have no right to continue to occupy the area in question,' the order said. DDA in March last year asked the residents to vacate the camp, failing which it will be demolished by the authority concerned. On March 12, the high court by way of an interim order restrained DDA from demolishing the camps. DDA, represented by advocate Prabhsahay Kaur, submitted that the National Green Tribunal on January 29 this year directed removal of all the encroachment on the Yamuna Flood Plain Zone adjacent to South of Gurdwara Majnu ka Tila on Yamuna River Belt. A cost was also imposed on DDA, and thus the civic authority was bound to follow the judicial orders, the advocate said. Taking note of the fact that the land fell under the Yamuna floodplains, justice Sharma said, 'It is undeniable that even Indian citizens cannot claim alternate allotment as an absolute right, particularly in cases where the land they occupy falls under specially prohibited areas like Zone 'O' of Delhi, i.e., the Yamuna floodplains. Given the critical condition of the Yamuna River, this court unhesitatingly finds that no interference with the ongoing restoration and rejuvenation efforts of the river can be countenanced at the petitioner's instance.' While dismissing the plea, the court also vacated its interim order and impressed upon the refugees to acquire Indian citizenship, which would enable them to enjoy rights and benefits available to any ordinary Indian citizen. 'Needless to state, the effect of the acceptance of... (citizenship) application would be that the aggrieved refugees shall be deemed citizens of India and would be able to enjoy all rights and benefits available to any ordinary citizen of India,' the court said.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Clamour intensifies against Waqf Amendment Act, protest in Hyderabad
Over 400 people, including women and children, gathered at Dharna Chowk, Indira Park, on Saturday afternoon to protest against the Waqf Amendment Act. The rally was organised by the Telangana Muslim Joint Action Committee (JAC). People took part in the protest by holding placards and listening to speeches conveying growing concerns over the Act. JAC convenor and Tehreek Muslim Shabban president Mohammed Mushtaq Malik criticised the 'systematic weakening of Muslim institutions' and urged political parties and civil society groups to support the resistance. The provisions of the new law would pave the way for a greater State control over religious endowments, he said. Describing the legislation as more far-reaching than earlier concerns over the CAA and NRC, Mr. Malik questioned the removal of community-specific safeguards and provisions allowing non-Muslim appointments to Waqf Boards. He also emphasised the need for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board to maintain political neutrality if it intends to lead a credible movement against the Act. Mahila Congress vice-president from Khairatabad Asma Ibrahim requested the public to participate in such marches to show their support against the law. 'The Modi government is after the Waqf Bill to target us. We should not let them do this discrimination to us. I request my fellow sisters to join us in this protest,' she said. Leaders from various political parties, including Congress, BRS, MBT and Telangana Jana Samithi, were present. Former PCC president V. Hanumantha Rao, former minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir, MBT president Majeedullah Khan Farhat, BRS leader Shaik Abdullah Sohail, former MP Aziz Pasha, MLC Kodandaram, Waqf Board chairman Syed Azmatullah Hussaini, and Haj Committee chairman Khusro Pasha Biyabani, took part. Central Zone police cordoned off the area with a 300-metre security perimeter to prevent any untoward incident.
India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Saudi Arabia warns Iranian Supreme Leader, tells him to do nuclear deal with this non-Muslim country or… what is going to happen in Gulf?
Saudi Arabia warns Iranian Supreme Leader, tells him to do nuclear deal with this non-Muslim country or… what is going to happen in Gulf? Riyadh: The Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia had given a strong warning to the top leaders during his visit to the country last month. He told the Middle East Country that either Tehran should accept Donald Trump's proposal to negotiate on the nuclear deal or else there will be a serious threat of an Israeli attack. The Saudi Defence Minister stated that by doing this Iran can avoid a serious confrontation with Israel. witnessing the threat of instability in the Gulf countries once again, Saudi Arabia's 89-year-old King Salman bin Abdul Aziz sent his son and Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to Tehran.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Haj panel to restart UPSC coaching centre, 20% seats for other minorities
Over a year after shutting down its residential coaching facility for Muslim Civil Services aspirants, the Haj Committee of India (HCI) has announced the reopening of its Mumbai-based training centre. The revamped programme will now reserve 20% of its seats for candidates from other minority communities, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). While non-Muslim candidates were informally provided accommodation support during the exam period earlier, this is the first time that the HCI has officially included seats for other minorities in its selection process. 'This decision was taken by the committee last year to make the institute more inclusive. It is also expected to encourage a competitive atmosphere and healthy learning environment for Civil Services aspirants,' said HCI CEO Shanavas C. An official notification was issued on May 22, inviting applications for the upcoming batch aimed at preparing aspirants for the 2026 Civil Services Examination. An entrance test will be held on July 13, simultaneously across 21 centres in India. This will be followed by an essay-writing round and personal interviews to select 100 candidates. The coaching programme will commence from August 11. The notification specified that 80 seats would be reserved for Muslim candidates, while the remaining 20 seats would be allocated to other minority groups, SCs, STs and OBCs. Funded by donations that the HCI receives from people going for Haj, the Haj House Residential Coaching Institute — the only one of its kind run by the HCI — was established in 2009 to provide affordable residential coaching to Muslim students. Since then, sources said, about 1,500 students have undergone coaching, with 25 getting selected for the Civil Services. Following a cut in student intake that led to protests in 2022, and an admissions cycle delayed by the pandemic, the institute was closed in December 2023. The HCI had said it was a temporary suspension, and assured that it would restart soon. Several meetings were held in preparation for the new academic cycle, said sources. 'The (minority affairs) ministry has expressed its support. In fact, we are considering starting similar centres in other states where the necessary infrastructure is ready,' said Shanavas C. While accommodation and coaching will be provided free of cost, food will be subsidised. 'We are currently working on formalising a policy for food-related expenses,' said Deputy CEO Sadafat Ali. The age limit for applicants has been capped at 30 years, although the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) allows age relaxation up to 35 years for OBCs and 37 years for SCs and STs. The HCI said the age limit has been set to support younger aspirants.
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Is Saudi Arabia Lifting 73-Year-Old Alcohol Ban Ahead Of 2034 World Cup? Here's What We Know
Last Updated: Saudi-based Arab News quoted informed sources who rubbished the claims, saying they lacked any official confirmation from relevant authorities Saudi Arabia officials have denied media reports claiming the kingdom plans to lift its 73-year ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol by 2026 in view of hosting the football World Cup tournament in 2034. The report appeared in several international media outlets last week, triggering controversy in the kingdom. However, Saudi-based Arab News quoted informed sources who rubbished the claims, saying they lacked any official confirmation from relevant authorities and 'do not reflect existing policies or regulations in Saudi Arabia". 'Under its ambitious vision to develop the tourism sector, Saudi Arabia remains committed to offering a unique and culturally immersive experience," a source told Arab News. Saudi Arabia has maintained an alcohol ban since 1952, prohibiting both citizens and foreign nationals from consuming alcoholic beverages. However, since January 2024, a shop in Riyadh has been granted permission to sell alcohol to non-Muslim diplomats under strict regulations. In February, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, confirmed that alcohol will not be permitted at the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The report of the ban being lifted, which came as Saudi Arabia is witnessing a series of reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, triggered a controversy in the conservative country, which is the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques—Islam's most revered places in Mecca and Medina. (With agency inputs) First Published: May 27, 2025, 16:37 IST
