Category Archives: Community Involvement / Social Issues

Muslim Mirror Releases List of 100 Most Influential Indian Muslims 2025; Young Faces Gain Prominence

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INDIA :

Muslim Mirror’s 100 Most Influential Muslims of 2025

New Delhi: 

Muslim Mirror has released its much-anticipated annual list of the “100 Most Influential Indian Muslims of 2025,” spotlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to India’s public life across a wide spectrum of fields including politics, culture, education, business, media, religion, sports, and social service. Now in its second edition, the list aims to document influence not merely as power or popularity, but as sustained impact, leadership, and the ability to shape public discourse.

A defining feature of the 2025 edition is the growing prominence of younger achievers, signalling a visible generational shift within Indian Muslim leadership. Alongside established national figures, the list includes emerging voices who have built influence through grassroots activism, professional excellence, digital platforms, legal advocacy, education, and community engagement. Editors associated with the project said this was a deliberate attempt to recognise new centres of influence beyond traditional hierarchies.

The list reflects the diversity and plural character of Indian Muslim society, cutting across geography, ideology, profession, and language. From seasoned politicians and religious scholars to artists, entrepreneurs, academics, and social reformers, the compilation offers a broad snapshot of leadership trends at a time when issues of representation, constitutional values, and social justice remain central to national debate.

Representation Across Sectors

The 2025 list features several eminent academicians and intellectuals who have shaped higher education, policy discourse, and social research. Among them are Abul Qasim Nomani, Ameerullah Khan, Furqan Qamar, Shahid Jamil, and Ubaid-ur-Rahman, recognised for their contributions to education, public policy, and academic leadership.

In the business and entrepreneurship category, the list includes influential names such as Azad Moopan, Azim Hashim Premji, Farah Malik, Irfan Razack, M. P. Ahammed, Mecca Rafiq Ahmed, Meraj Manal, Syed Mohamed Beary, P. Mohammed Ali, Shahnaz Hussain, Tausif Ahmad Mirza, Yusuff Ali, and Ziaullah Sharif. Their inclusion underlines the growing economic footprint of Indian Muslim entrepreneurs, both domestically and globally, spanning sectors from retail and healthcare to infrastructure and consumer goods.

Community leadership remains a strong pillar of the list, with figures such as Arshad Madani, Mahmood Madani, Malik Motasim Khan, Mehmood Pracha, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, Navaid Hamid, Pirzada Md Abbas Siddiqui, Qasim Rasool Ilyas, Sadatullah Husaini, Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, and Yusuf Mohamed Abrahani recognised for their roles in religious guidance, legal advocacy, social mobilisation, and institutional leadership.

Culture, Media, and Public Discourse

In arts and entertainment, globally recognised names such as A. R. Rahman, Aamir Khan, Mammootty, Munawar Faruqui, and Shah Rukh Khan continue to command immense cultural influence, shaping narratives that extend well beyond cinema and music into social consciousness.

The list also acknowledges the growing importance of media and journalism in shaping opinion and challenging dominant narratives. Journalists and commentators such as Arfa Khanam, Irfan Meraj, and Seema Mustafa are recognised for their consistent engagement with issues of democracy, minority rights, and constitutional values.

Religious and Intellectual Scholarship

A significant section of the list is devoted to Islamic scholars and religious thinkers, reflecting their continued influence on moral leadership and intellectual discourse. Names such as A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar, Qasim Nomani, Prof. Akhtarul Wase, Asghar Ali Imam Mahdi Salafi, Asjad Raza Khan, Ibraheem Khaleel Al-Bukhari, Javed Jamil, Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, Khaleelur Rahman Sajjad Nomani, Qamaruzzaman Azmi, Rashid Shaz, Shakir Ali Noori, Shamail Nadvi, and Yasoob Abbas find place for their scholarly work, writings, and public engagement.

Politics and Governance

The political category features leaders cutting across party lines and regions, including Asaduddin Owaisi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Hamid Ansari, Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah, Salman Khurshid, Najeeb Jung, Syed Naseer Hussain, Engineer Rashid, Akhtarul Iman, Iqra Hasan, Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rakibul Hasan, K. Rahman Khan, Kadir Mohideen, Mohibullah Nadvi, Md Shafi, Agha Mahadi, Asim Waqar, and Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal. Their inclusion reflects influence exercised through electoral politics, governance, diplomacy, and legislative advocacy.

Changemakers and Social Reformers

One of the most dynamic sections of the 2025 list is that of changemakers and social reformers, featuring individuals such as Safeena Husain, Shahabuddin Yaqoob Quraishi, Syeda Hameed, Zameer Uddin Shah, Mahbubul Hoque, Sabahat S. Azim, Mehmood Pracha, Faiz Syed, and Zahir Ishaq Kazi, among others. Many of these figures have earned recognition through long-term grassroots work rather than formal authority.

International Booker Prize 2025 winner Banu Mushtaq for Heart Lamp, along with renowned poet Wasim Barelvi, has been placed in the category of Literary Figures.

In sports, iconic names Sania Mirza and Irfan Pathan continue to inspire younger generations through excellence and public engagement beyond the playing field.

Beyond Rankings

The editors emphasised that the list does not claim to be exhaustive, nor does it measure influence solely through fame, wealth, or official position. Instead, it seeks to capture real-world impact, moral authority, intellectual contribution, and the ability to shape conversations within and outside the community.

The annual list has increasingly become a reference point for understanding evolving leadership patterns among Indian Muslims. By foregrounding both established figures and rising talents, the 2025 edition reflects continuity as well as change, underscoring how Indian Muslims continue to contribute meaningfully to India’s democratic, cultural, and social field.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Muslim Mirror / January 15th, 2026

A New Chapter in Value-Based Education: Mansoora PU College Opens in Hassan

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project)

Hassan, KARNATAKA :

In the gently rolling landscape of Karnataka’s Hassan district, a new academic chapter is being added to a legacy that is already four decades old. With the launch of Mansoora PU College at Alur, an institution long associated with school-level education is extending its vision to the crucial pre-university stage, responding to a growing demand for integrated, value-oriented higher secondary education in the region.

Located on a sprawling campus off the Bengaluru–Mangaluru highway, the new PU college is part of the educational ecosystem nurtured by The Mansoora School, which itself grew out of an initiative started nearly 40 years ago by Jamaat-e-Islami Karnataka circles. What began as the Islamia Arabic College and later evolved into an English-medium school up to Class 10 has now expanded to include pre-university education under the Mansoora name.

Speaking about the motivation behind the expansion, Dr. Taha Mateen, Vice-Chairman – Mansoora Educational Trust, explains that the move was shaped by both continuity and necessity. Many students completing their secondary education were seeking PU colleges that combined academic rigour, competitive exam preparation, and an environment aligned with their cultural and ethical values. “The idea was not just to add another college,” he notes, “but to create a protected, focused academic space where students can prepare seriously for their future.”

Academic Focus with Competitive Readiness
Mansoora PU College opens admissions for the 2026–27 academic year with science and commerce streams that reflect current aspirations among students and parents. The college offers PCMB, PCMC, and EBAC combinations, along with integrated coaching for national and state-level competitive examinations such as NEET, JEE, and KCET. This integrated model aims to reduce the burden of parallel coaching by aligning board curriculum with entrance exam preparation.

Faculty recruitment has been positioned as a cornerstone of the project. According to the management, experienced and well-qualified teachers have been brought in, with special attention to mentoring students who may need additional academic support. There is also a stated emphasis on encouraging girls’ participation in science streams, an area where access and retention often remain challenges in semi-rural regions.

Campus Life and Infrastructure
One of the distinguishing features of the new PU college is its fully residential model, with separate hostels and facilities for boys and girls. The girls’ campus includes a residential hostel, exclusive mess, separate classrooms, science and computer laboratories, a library, play areas, and a dedicated namaz hall. Facilities for boys similarly include residential hostels, a masjid, science and computer labs, library, playfields, and a football ground.

The wider campus, described as lush and peaceful, is equipped with CCTV surveillance, first-aid and doctor visit facilities, and structured recreational spaces. The intention, Dr. Mateen explains, is to offer an environment that is academically focused while being insulated from distractions associated with excessive device use and unsupervised digital exposure.

Education with Ethical Grounding
What sets Mansoora apart, its trustees argue, is the attempt to integrate modern education with ethical and religious grounding. Alongside regular academics, the broader Mansoora educational framework includes Deeniyath education, Quranic studies with tajweed, memorisation of daily duas, and structured Islamic studies from the middle grades onward. While the PU college itself focuses primarily on board and competitive curricula, it functions within this larger institutional ethos.

Sports and physical education also form part of campus life, with facilities for football, volleyball, karate, skating, and indoor games, reflecting an understanding that academic excellence is closely tied to physical and mental well-being.

Independence and Institutional Identity
Interestingly, despite informal support and goodwill from well-known coaching ecosystems, the management has consciously chosen to retain an independent identity. Dr. Mateen points out that the decision to operate under the Mansoora name, without external branding, was deliberate. “We felt the institution has its own credibility and history. We wanted to build on that legacy rather than borrow another’s,” he says.

Access, Fees, and Outreach
The college has announced a structured and relatively moderate tuition fee, with early-bird concessions and additional scholarships for meritorious students. Separate hostel fees apply. Admissions are currently open, with limited seats, and the management encourages interested families to visit the campus, interact with faculty, and assess the facilities firsthand.

Situated in Alur, around 200 kilometres from Bengaluru and well connected to Mangaluru, Mansoora PU College positions itself as a regional hub for students seeking a blend of academic ambition, residential discipline, and value-based education.

As Karnataka’s educational landscape continues to diversify, the launch of Mansoora PU College reflects a broader trend: institutions rooted in community histories adapting to contemporary educational demands, while attempting to hold on to the principles that defined their beginnings.

Further details can be obtained from: https://puc.mansoora.in/

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Features> Focus> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 14th, 2026

Renowned scholar and IOS founder Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam passes away at 80

Amazing Feats, Books - Holy Quran, Koran / Translations, Commentaries / by Indian Muslims (wef. February 11th, 2025), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders

BIHAR / DELHI :

OBITUARY

Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam

Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam, a visionary scholar, global thinker, mentor, and tireless advocate for education, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities, passed away in New Delhi early on January 13, 2026, at the age of 80. His demise has left a profound void in academic, social, and religious circles across India and internationally.

Born on October 9, 1945, in Ranipur, Madhubani, Bihar, Dr. Alam earned his PhD in Economics from Aligarh Muslim University. His career bridged Islamic social sciences, economic reform, and knowledge-driven societal change.

He held prestigious roles including Economic Advisor at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance, Associate Professor of Islamic Economics at Imam Muhammad bin Saud University in Riyadh, Chief Coordinator for Qur’an translation at King Fahd Printing Complex in Madinah, Chief Representative of India at the International Islamic University Malaysia, and member of the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship Committee.

Dr. Alam founded the Institute of Objective Studies (IOS) in New Delhi in 1986, transforming it into a leading research think tank focused on intellectual and social empowerment of Indian Muslims and other marginalized groups.

Under his leadership, IOS conducted over 410 research projects, published hundreds of volumes, organized numerous conferences, and promoted interfaith dialogue, policy analysis, and minority rights advocacy.

He held key positions in organizations such as the All India Milli Council (General Secretary), Muslim Social Sciences Association (President), Fiqh Academy, and various international boards.

Collaborating with global intellectuals like Prof. Ismail Raji al-Faruqi and Dr. Abdul Hamid AbuSulayman, he advanced Islamic economics, the Islamisation of knowledge, and interfaith understanding.

His writings, including “The Final Wakeup Call,” addressed media freedom, global narratives, contemporary Muslim issues, education, and social reform. Known for humility, ethical scholarship, and mentorship, Dr. Alam inspired generations of scholars, activists, and researchers.

His legacy endures through IOS and the lives he touched, continuing to champion justice, knowledge, and empowerment for the marginalized. — With Agencies Inputs

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Obituary / by Muslim Mirror Desk / January 13th, 2026

Muslim Man Donates Land For Public Health Facility In J&K’s Phagsoo

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Uniquely Indian - Inter Faith (wef. February 08th, 2023)

Phagsoo Village,(Doda District), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

A resident of a remote village in Doda district has voluntarily donated one kanal of land for the construction of a First Aid Centre, underscoring a civic gesture that cuts across religious identity in a region with limited healthcare access.

A Muslim resident of Phagsoo village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district has donated one kanal of his land to the government for the construction of a First Aid Centre, an initiative aimed at improving basic healthcare services in the hilly and remote area.

According to official records, Rafi Ahmed of Phagsoo has transferred land measuring one kanal (20 marlas) to the Revenue Department for use by the Health Department. The land, recorded under Khasra number 566, will be utilised for establishing a First Aid Centre to cater to Phagsoo and neighbouring villages, where residents currently have to travel long distances for even primary medical assistance.

In an affidavit submitted to the authorities, the donor has stated that the land has been given voluntarily, without any pressure or inducement, and that he will not seek compensation, employment, or any other benefit from the government. The document also records that ownership and possession of the land will vest permanently with the Health Department and that no objections will be raised during construction or future use of the facility.

Local officials confirmed that the affidavit has been executed for official processing of the land transfer and that the proposal will be taken forward in accordance with established procedures.

Rural healthcare infrastructure remains uneven across parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in mountainous districts of Chenab Valley. The donation has been welcomed by residents, who have long sought a nearby facility for emergency and first-response medical care.

Once approved and constructed, the First Aid Centre is expected to ease access to essential health services for the local population, regardless of religious or social identity.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Anzer Ayoob / January 11th, 2026

Anupama Women’s Monthly Completes 25 Years: CM Siddaramaiah Releases Special Issue

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru:

Anupama, the state’s only women’s monthly Kannada magazine run entirely by Muslim women, has completed 25 years. To mark this milestone, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah released a special silver jubilee issue, reflecting on its 25-year journey of success, in Bengaluru on Thursday.

​Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister congratulated the team, saying, “There are only a handful of Muslim women in journalism. In such a scenario, it is highly commendable that the Anupama Women’s Monthly, run by women from the Muslim community and has successfully completed 25 years.”

​Shahnaz M., the editor of Anupama, also spoke at the occasion. “The implementation of the ‘Guarantee’ schemes for women in the state has brought about significant changes in their lives. On behalf of the Anupama team and all women, I extend my gratitude to the government led by CM Siddaramaiah for their commitment to women’s development,” she stated.

​The event was attended by Naseer Ahmed (Political Secretary to the CM), MLA Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, BMTC Vice-Chairman Niket Raj Maurya, and Anupama’s sub-editors Samina Uppinangady, Sajida Momin, and Kulsum Abubakkar. Other notable attendees included S.M. Muthalib, Faisal Ismail, and Saleem Bolangadi.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report/ by Radiance News Bureau / January 10th, 2026

Hyderabad’s IICD Scripts a Service Revolution, Announces 100% Free Care for Specially-Abled Children

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, FREE : Healthcare / Assistance, Useful / HEALTHCARE

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Hyderabad:

In an era where healthcare inflation often renders specialised therapy a luxury, the Ideal Information Centre for Disabled (IICD) has emerged as a beacon of hope for the underprivileged. In a landmark decision that is set to redefine social welfare in the city, the organisation has announced that it will provide its entire gamut of world-class services for children with physical and mental challenges completely free of charge.

The initiative, aptly titled ‘Abhayahastham’ (a hand of protection), seeks to ensure that no child is denied a shot at a dignified life due to their parents’ financial incapacity.

For many families, navigating the world of “special needs” is a double-edged sword – emotional trauma compounded by the staggering costs of corporate-style therapies. Recognising this, IICD, under the stewardship of General Secretary Naveedur Rahman, has opened its doors to provide a 360-degree support system at zero cost.

“Disability is a physical constraint, not a limitation of talent,” said Mr. Rahman. “Our mission is to ensure that a lack of resources never stands in the way of a child’s progress. We want to provide every child with the platform they need to shine on the global stage.”

The centre’s “Zero-Fee” model does not compromise on quality. The facility offers a comprehensive suite of services that rivals top-tier corporate hospitals:

Clinical Excellence: Access to Occupational, Physical, Behavioural, and Speech therapies supervised by seasoned experts.

Inclusive Education: A dedicated wing offering free schooling from Nursery to Grade 10 for hearing-impaired students.

Vocational Empowerment: Specialised job-oriented training programmes designed specifically to integrate visually impaired students into the mainstream workforce.

Advanced Diagnostics: High-end Audiology services for hearing assessments and treatments.

While the infrastructure and expertise are in place, the challenge remains in reaching the last mile. The IICD management has urged the public to act as catalysts for change. In a society where many specially-abled children remain confined to the shadows of poverty, sharing a simple contact number could be the first step toward a child’s transformation.

Those seeking support or wishing to refer a child in need can reach out to the IICD helpline at 9014234933.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Healthcare> Latest News / by Mujahid. Md / January 10th, 2026

SIO Yerragondapalem Unit Honoured at State-Level Meet

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, , , ,

Eluru, ANDHRA PRADESH :

Eluru hosts grand leadership conference, unit recognised as ‘Emerging Unit’ for 2025 performance.

Eluru:

A grand state-level leadership meeting of the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), Andhra Pradesh Zone, was held here on January 10 and 11. The two-day conference brought together state leaders and representatives from across Andhra Pradesh to review organisational activities and chart a clear roadmap for future initiatives.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on SIO’s educational, social, and student development programmes implemented across the state. The leadership also reviewed the performance of various units for the year 2025, assessing their contribution to organisational growth, student empowerment, and community engagement.

For its consistent and dynamic work across multiple fronts, the Yerragondapalem Unit was selected as the “SIO Emerging Unit – Performance Award” winner. The unit was specially recognised for its efforts in promoting academic awareness among students, addressing student rights, organising social service activities, conducting leadership training camps, and expanding membership at the grassroots level.

The prestigious award was presented to the unit representatives by state leader Aamir Fahed and State General Secretary Hafeez. Speaking on the occasion, SIO leaders emphasised that the organisation’s core objective is to nurture moral values, educational consciousness, and social responsibility among students. They reiterated that SIO remains committed to shaping students into responsible and socially aware citizens.

The state-level meet also focused on future strategies, including planned movements on student issues, protection of educational rights, leadership development, and programmes aimed at strengthening social harmony. Leaders noted that the recognition of the Yerragondapalem Unit would serve as an inspiration and benchmark for other units across the state.

The award stands as a testament to the unit’s dedication and as a motivating milestone in SIO Andhra Pradesh’s ongoing mission of student empowerment and societal development.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 11th, 2026

Begum Qudsia Rasul must get her place in history: Speakers at book launch

Amazing Feats, Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , ,

UTTAR PRADESH :

Tehmina Punvani (second from left) with Salman Khurshid and Manish Tewari releasing the Book

Tehmina Punvani offered a rare glimpse into her grandmother’s life. Her grandmother, Begum Qudsia Rasul, was no ordinary woman; she was the only Muslim woman in the Constituent Assembly that drafted India’s Constitution in 1949.

The occasion was the launch of Begum Qudsia Rasul’s book, 24 years after her death.

Tehmina Punvani, a lawyer, is the daughter of Begum Qudsia’s daughter.

Speaking at the book launch in Delhi, Tehmina said, “For the world, she was a fearless political figure, but for me, she was my Ammijan, gentle, grounded and unwavering in her integrity.”

Punvani recalled the period when a fatwa was issued against Rasool for entering public life. While the family felt fear, Rasul was composed.

“If my conscience is clear, no decree can frighten me,’ she would say,” Punvani recounted, drawing applause from the audience.

The book, Begum Qudsia Rasul – The Remarkable Life Of The Only Muslim Woman In the Constituent Assembly, is a relaunch of her autobiography “From Purdah to Parliament: The Memoirs of a Muslim Woman in Indian Politics” on the life and political legacy of this remarkable Muslim woman leader of India.

The Book Begum Qudsia Rasul – The Remarkable Life Of The Only Muslim Woman In the Constituent Assembly

The event brought together journalists, lawyers, and political leaders to revisit the contributions of a woman forgotten in mainstream historical narratives.

Moderated by journalist Nidhi Razdan, the panel featured Salman Khurshid, Indira Jaising, Manish Tewari, and senior lawyer Tehmina Punvani.

Begum Qudsia Rasul, born in 1909, was the only Muslim woman in India’s Constituent Assembly. A trailblazing politician, she opposed religious reservations, championed minority rights, and promoted women’s hockey.

Elected to the Rajya Sabha and Uttar Pradesh Assembly, she received the Padma Bhushan in 2000.

Besides being the only Muslim woman in the 1946 Constituent Assembly, she fought for minority equality and opposed religious reservations.

Qudsia Begum was also elected to the UP Assembly, Rajya Sabha and served as a minister.

She is credited with promoting women’s hockey, and a Hockey Cup is named after her. She was a trailblazing woman for giving up purdah. Besides her autobiography, she has authored a travelogue, Our Bapu, a book on Mahatama Gandhi and Hayat-e-Qudsi, about Bhopal’s Begums. 

Tehmina said that despite her political stature, Rasul stayed close to the grassroots. “She met women daily, listened to their concerns, and worked for them without fanfare. Activism, for her, was a duty, not an identity.”

Other speakers highlighted Rasul’s exceptional resilience in an era when Muslim women faced social barriers.

Former Union Minister Salman Khurshid explained that Qudsia had won from a general seat to the United Province Assembly despite many technical hurdles. “It was an extraordinary act of courage,” he said.

Congress MP Manish Tewari underlined the democratic significance of her public life: “Her presence in the Constituent Assembly reflected India’s openness at a time of enormous political and social turbulence.”

Noted lawyer Indira Jaising praised Rasul’s moral clarity and empathetic leadership, calling her “a rare combination of conviction and humility.”

Speakers were unanimous in calling for acknowledging Begum Qudsia Rasul’s contributions and a prominent place for her in India’s political history.

Rolli Books has published this book.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / December 11th, 2025

Gulfisha Fatima walks out of Tihar after Supreme Court bail in Delhi riots case

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

DELHI :

In Fatima’s case, the SC drew a distinction between allegations of involvement and the degree of control attributed to her.

2020 northeast Delhi riots accused Gulfisha Fatima, right, meets her mother after her release from Tihar Jail, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. PTI

Gulfisha Fatima, one of the accused in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case, walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday, hours after a Delhi court issued her release orders following bail granted by the Supreme Court, jail sources said.

Her release came after the trial court confirmed that all bail conditions laid down by the apex court had been met.

Earlier in the day, the court issued release orders for four of the five accused who were granted bail, after they furnished bail bonds of Rs 2 lakh each along with two local sureties.

The fifth accused, though granted bail by the Supreme Court on Monday, did not appear before the trial court to furnish bail bonds. The remaining three accused are expected to be released once procedural formalities are completed.

Gulfisha Fatima, one of the accused in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case, walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday, hours after a Delhi court issued her release orders following bail granted by the Supreme Court, jail sources said.

Her release came after the trial court confirmed that all bail conditions laid down by the apex court had been met.

Earlier in the day, the court issued release orders for four of the five accused who were granted bail, after they furnished bail bonds of Rs 2 lakh each along with two local sureties.

The fifth accused, though granted bail by the Supreme Court on Monday, did not appear before the trial court to furnish bail bonds. The remaining three accused are expected to be released once procedural formalities are completed.

The trial court passed the release orders after Delhi Police submitted verification reports of the sureties and documents. The court noted that all bail conditions had been complied with.

The Supreme Court, while hearing the matter on Monday, denied relief to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, observing that a prima facie case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was made out against them.

However, it granted bail to five accused, citing a hierarchy of participation in the alleged conspiracy.

In Fatima’s case, the Supreme Court drew a distinction between allegations of involvement and the degree of control attributed to her.

“The allegation that Gulfisha Fatima mobilised local women and coordinated protest-site logistics, though relevant to the prosecution’s case, does not presently disclose that she exercised independent command, resource control, or strategic oversight over multiple protest sites. The prosecution itself asserts that directions were conveyed to her by others higher in the asserted hierarchy. In these circumstances, this court finds that the level of attributed agency and control does not justify continued incarceration once the investigative purpose stands substantially fulfilled,” the bench said.

The apex court directed the trial court to expedite the bail process and imposed 11 conditions, making it clear that any misuse of liberty would lead to cancellation of bail.

The February 2020 riots in northeast Delhi erupted during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). The violence left 53 people dead and more than 700 injured.

Of the 20 accused named in the conspiracy case, two remain absconding.

The remaining 18 had applied for bail at different stages. Out of them, seven are still in prison — Salim Malik, Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, former Aam Aadmi Party leader Tahir Hussain, Athar Khan, Tasleem Ahmed and Khalid Saifi.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / The Telegraph Online, Web Desk & PTI / January 07th, 2026

Madras High Court cites Prophet Muhammad’s Hadith in judgment for payment of fees to Municipal Corporation’s lawyer

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Uniquely Indian - Inter Faith (wef. February 08th, 2023)

Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

New Delhi :

The Madras High Court has invoked a famous Hadith of Prophet Muhammad on prompt and fair payment upon completion of work, while directing the Madurai Municipal Corporation to settle the long-pending professional fees claimed by its former lawyer. The judgment has come as a pleasant surprise in the present atmosphere of hostility towards Islam and Muslims.

While deciding the case on December 19, Justice G.R. Swaminathan at the High Court’s Madurai Bench referred to the prophetic saying – “Pay the worker before his sweat dries” – and observed that this principle was only a facet of fairness and was eminently applicable in labour jurisprudence. The court’s observations have upheld the truth and timelessness of Islamic principles of justice and fairness.

By citing Prophet Muhammad’s saying to stress the moral duty of employers to pay workers without delay, the Judge came to the aid of a lawyer struggling to recover his unpaid legal fees from the Municipal Corporation. The court observed that the principle of fairness should equally apply to labour and service jurisprudence.

Justice Swaminathan directed the Municipal Corporation to settle the lawyer’s fees and censured the practice of engaging advocates who charge a hefty sum for a single appearance in court, citing an instance when a senior counsel was paid Rs. 4 lakh per appearance. “The university, which is pleading that its financial situation is such that it is unable to pay the dues of its retired staff, has no difficulty in paying exorbitant fees to its counsel,” he said.

Additional Advocate Generals appeared even for small matters where their presence was not really required and where even a “novice of the government counsel could handle,” the court observed. “All this for a few pennies. Marking appearance is a matter of money. It is time an audit is undertaken regarding the payment of fees to the law officers,” the Judge noted.

Coming to the rescue of the Municipal Corporation’s former standing counsel P. Thirumalai who sought a direction to the civic body to pay Rs. 13.05 lakh due for him as fee for representing it in numerous cases, Justice Swaminathan said: “Pay the worker before his sweat dries is an instruction attributed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).”

“This principle is only a facet of fairness and is eminently applicable in labour jurisprudence. It can also be invoked in the case at hand,” the judgement stated, while making it clear that timely payment is not just a legal requirement but also a matter of basic justice.

The Prophet’s famous saying has been narrated as a Hadith from Abdullah bin Umar, saying: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Give the worker his wages before his sweat dries.” (Sunan Ibn Majah). The command to give wages before the sweat dries is a metaphor. It is a form of excellence to pay someone before they finish the job and it becomes an injustice if one does not pay them after they complete the job.

The writ petition was filed by the standing counsel for Madurai City Municipal Corporation for over 14 years from 1992 to 2006. He had represented the Corporation in the Madurai district courts. His grievance was that the Corporation had not settled his fee bills. Hence, he filed a writ in 2006 seeking the payment.

According to the petitioner, the Corporation had to pay him Rs. 14.07 lakh, but it paid only Rs. 1.02 lakh and a balance of Rs. 13.05 lakh remained to be paid. The petitioner had appeared in 818 cases, the Judge noted, and recorded submissions that the lawyer was in penurious circumstances and unable to even afford the cost of obtaining certified copies.

The court directed the Legal Services Authority attached to the Madurai district court to verify the list of cases, obtain certified copies and provide them to the petitioner within two months.

Upon submission of the verified fee bills, the Municipal corporation was directed to settle the bills within a further two months without interest.

While upholding the Islamic principles of justice, the judgment has also sent a strong message to government bodies and public institutions on the need to treat legal professionals fairly, ensure prompt payment for services rendered, and review excessive spending on senior counsels, especially when ordinary matters can be handled by junior or regular government advocates.

Ironically, a Muslim Traffic Sub-Inspector, Afaq Khan, in Uttara Pradesh’s Kannauj was recently sent to the Police Lines as a punishment after being removed from active duty, following an event in which he referred to Prophet Muhmmad while addressing the students at a college on the issue of girls’ safety. Khan cited the Prophet’s saying: “A home in which a daughter is born is blessed with mercy.”

After a video of the programme went viral on social media platforms, members of Hindu right-wing organisations – Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal – objected to it and filed a complaint, alleging that Khan was imparting religious teachings while in uniform. Subsequently, the Kannauj Superintendent of Police placed Khan on line duty.

In a state where the police personnel have been seen showering flowers during the Kanwar Yatra, and where the Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary was seen participating in a religious programme carrying a mace, Khan was removed from active duty as a punishment. On the other hand, the Madras High Court has invoked the Prophet’s saying in the case involving payment of wages.

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Economy> India Tomorrow Correspondent / December 23rd, 2025