First action under new Waqf Amendment, Bulldozer demolishes 20-year-old madrasa in Madhya Pradesh

April 13, 2025 by News Desk

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A 20-year-old madrasa in Panna district, Madhya Pradesh, has been demolished after authorities took action following the implementation of the Waqf Act, India Today reported.

This development came after complaints were filed regarding the madrasa’s illegal status. The madrasa’s operators, after receiving a notice from the authorities, took matters into their own hands and brought in bulldozers to demolish the structure.

The case gained attention after the passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill.

BJP President V.D. Sharma, said that he had received complaints from the Muslim community regarding illegal activities on Waqf land. Following his complaint to the officials, they issued a notice to the madrasa management.

The madrasa had been operating in the B.D. Colony area of Panna for over 30 years.

Despite multiple notices over the years, the madrasa’s operators had not complied with the regulations, India Today claimed in its report.

The recent passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill led to stricter enforcement, prompting officials to send a notice before the demolition action occurred.

The madrasa’s operators claimed that they had received permission from the local village council for construction. However, due to recent legal changes, the area was considered part of the municipal corporation, making the structure illegal.

The operators stated that the issue had been in court for several years, but following recent legal reforms, the authorities took decisive action.

In response to the demolition, V.D. Sharma commented that the Waqf Amendment Act would help prevent such misuse of properties and channel the acquired funds for the development of the minority community.

The situation has sparked debate around the implementation of the Waqf Act and its impact on religious properties.