First action after Waqf Act: Madrassa voluntarily razed by its operators in MP

BHOPAL: An illegally constructed madrassa was voluntarily demolished by its operators in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, marking the first such action after the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in Parliament, reports P Naveen.

Administrative officials said they had issued notices to the operators following a complaint from BJP president VD Sharma from a local resident belonging to Muslim community.

Officials said that the operator took action himself in the light of the newly passed legislation before local administration could initiate action to raze it.

The madrassa had been operating illegally for the past 30 years in Panna's BD Colony. Despite multiple notices issued over the years, the operator failed to comply.

However, after the Waqf Amendment Act was enacted and warnings of strict enforcement were issued, the operator used a bulldozer to demolish the structure voluntarily.

According to officials, the madrassa had been constructed on govt land. Local residents and social workers had long raised objections. Despite these complaints, no decisive action had been taken until recently.