Sale of Waqf land for Antilia highlights risks of Waqf Amendment Bill: Muslim Mirror analysis
New Delhi: The proposed Waqf Amendment Bill has raised serious concerns within the Muslim community, with many viewing it as a legal instrument aimed at systematically removing Waqf properties from Muslim control. Waqf properties, which are traditionally donated for the betterment of the Muslim community, are considered sacred and belong to God. These properties, once donated, cannot be sold or transferred under any circumstances, no matter the situation. While they can be developed for commercial purposes, their status as Waqf properties remains unchanged. However, the proposed amendments could potentially weaken this protection, making it easier for individuals or organizations to acquire such properties, thereby overriding centuries-old traditions and religious guidelines.
One striking example of the misuse of Waqf properties is the controversial sale of land belonging to the Maharashtra Waqf Board, which was donated by Currimbhoy Ebrahim for charitable purposes. As Muslim Mirror reports, this land was sold off, in violation of established Waqf laws, showcasing how political, corporate, and bureaucratic actors have already been mismanaging these properties. The new bill, could potentially increase the frequency of such practices.
As of August 2024, India has approximately 872,292 registered Waqf properties, spanning over 8 lakh acres of land. According to the Muslim Mirror report, these properties collectively hold a value of around ₹1.2 lakh crore, generating an annual revenue of ₹200 crore. However, despite their significant value and potential, Waqf properties have often been mismanaged and, in many cases, have been exploited by powerful groups that include politicians, bureaucrats, and even members of the Waqf Boards themselves.
The Muslim Mirror report highlights the infamous case of Antilia, the residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, as a glaring example of how Waqf properties have been appropriated for private gain. The land on which Antilia stands was originally donated by philanthropist Currimbhoy Ebrahim in 1895 for the construction of an orphanage. This property, designated for the education and welfare of underprivileged children, was sold to Ambani’s Antilia Commercial Private Limited in 2002 for ₹210.5 million (around $2.5 million at the time), far below its market value of ₹1.5 billion ($18 million), according to the Muslim Mirror report.
The Antilia Controversy
The sale of Waqf land for the construction of Antilia was highly controversial from the beginning. The sale of Waqf properties under the Waqf Act requires approval from the relevant Waqf Board, in this case, the Maharashtra State Board of Waqfs. Initially, the Maharashtra Waqf Board, along with the state’s Waqf minister Nawab Malik and the revenue department, opposed the sale, citing its illegality. They issued a stay order on the transaction and even filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court to challenge the trust’s decision to authorize the sale.
However, as reported by Muslim Mirror, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition and directed the Waqf Board to approach the Bombay High Court. Eventually, the Waqf Board withdrew its objections, and the stay order was lifted. Ambani went on to construct his residence, Antilia, on land intended for the education of impoverished Muslim children.
The Muslim Mirror report further points out that this sale violated Waqf law and betrayed the original donor, Currimbhoy Ebrahim, as well as the Muslim community. A property meant for charitable purposes was illegally sold off to a private entity for a fraction of its value, leading to widespread criticism. What makes the case even more scandalous, according to Muslim Mirror, is that only five members of the nine-member committee overseeing the sale made the decision to transfer the land, further flouting legal procedures.
The Role of Advocate Yusuf Hatim Muchhala
The Muslim Mirror report also delves into the involvement of key figures within the Muslim leadership in the Antilia case, particularly Advocate Yusuf Hatim Muchhala, who served as the legal advisor to the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). Ironically, Muchhala represented Mukesh Ambani in the case of Maharashtra Waqf Board vs. Antilia Commercial Private Limited, according to the Muslim Mirror report. His role in facilitating the sale and defending Ambani’s interests has raised significant concerns about conflicts of interest and the ethical integrity of those tasked with safeguarding Waqf properties.
According to Muslim Mirror, Muchhala’s representation of Ambani did not end at the High Court level. Even when the Waqf Board pursued the case further in the Supreme Court, Muchhala continued to seek stays in favor of Ambani, ultimately helping Ambani retain control of the land. Notably, the legal drafting for the case was reportedly done by the late Justice A M Ahmadi, a former Chief Justice of India and Muchhala’s brother-in-law, as per the Muslim Mirror report.
The Muslim Mirror report further states that when this issue was raised during a meeting of the AIMPLB in Mumbai, the then board’s general secretary, the late Syed Nizamuddin, refused to entertain the matter. He stated that the board’s involvement was limited to Waqf lands related to the Babri Masjid case, deliberately ignoring the Antilia controversy. This decision not to challenge one of their own members, who was representing Ambani in the case, has raised questions about the board’s commitment to protecting Waqf properties, according to Muslim Mirror. Interestingly, the same AIMPLB, which refused to act in the Antilia case in 2002, is now leading a campaign against the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, raising concerns about its consistency and sincerity, the Muslim Mirror report suggests.
The case is still pending before the Apex Court. Yusuf Muchhala remains a prominent figure in several Muslim organizations. He is one of the top leaders of the All India Milli Council and serves as the chairman of the APCR, a non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting the human rights of Muslims.
According to the Muslim Mirror report, the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, in light of cases like Antilia, appears to provide a formal legal framework to facilitate the sale or transfer of Waqf properties on a much larger scale. What individuals and private entities were previously doing discreetly—often in collaboration with corrupt officials—the current government now aims to do openly, and potentially with greater efficiency, according to Muslim Mirror
By allowing for easier acquisition and sale of Waqf properties, the bill could pave the way for further exploitation of these lands, many of which hold significant religious, educational, and charitable value for the Muslim community. According to Muslim Mirror, the fear is that this bill will be a legal weapon that not only deprives the community of its valuable properties but also undermines the very principles of Waqf, which are designed to protect and promote the welfare of the community.
The Waqf Amendment Bill is viewed as a dangerous development that threatens the future of Waqf properties in India. Cases like Antilia, where legal loopholes and corrupt practices allowed the sale of Waqf land to a private entity, serve as a grim reminder of what could happen on a much larger scale if the bill is passed, according to the Muslim Mirror report.
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Punjab: Blast near army cantt area in Amritsar, hours after explosion in Jalandhar
Chandigarh (PTI): An explosion occurred near the army cantonment area in Khasa late Tuesday night in Punjab's Amritsar, the second such incident which took place around three hours after a blast outside the headquarters of the Border Security Force's Punjab Frontier in Jalandhar.
According to the police, an investigation into both blast incidents is currently underway, and no injuries have been reported.
The first explosion happened around 8 pm in Jalandhar, while the second blast occurred at approximately 11 pm in Amritsar.
Amritsar (Rural) Senior Superintendent of Police Suhail Mir Qasim stated that police received reports of a loud sound at around 11 pm on a road in Khasa. "Our teams arrived on the scene immediately," he said.
Preliminary inspections indicated that someone had thrown an explosive device towards the boundary wall, leading to the explosion, according to the SSP.
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Police mentioned that a piece of a tin sheet covering the boundary wall had fallen as a result of the blast.
Following the explosion, a team of forensic and bomb disposal squad visited the site to collect samples.
Amritsar Rural Superintendent of Police Aditya S. Warrier, who also visited the scene, confirmed that further investigations are ongoing. Police added that a team of army officials also assessed the situation, after which the area was cordoned off.
CCTV footage from the vicinity shows the explosion occurring at night. A local villager reported that his family was awakened by the loud sound and came outside their home to see what had happened.
Before the Amritsar explosion, a blast took place outside the headquarters of the Border Security Force's Punjab Frontier in Jalandhar district around 8 pm on Tuesday, causing panic in the area.
CCTV footage captured the explosion, which resulted in a cloud of smoke. An unidentified man was seen running for cover following the blast.
The blast ripped apart a scooter, damaged a traffic signal pole and windowpanes of a nearby shop. Locals recounted that the scooter, which was parked outside the BSF headquarters, Punjab Frontier, caught fire shortly after a loud sound. It belonged to Gurpreet Singh, who regularly delivers parcels in the area.
Talking to reporters on Tuesday night, one of Gurpreet's relatives said that the scooter caught fire as he was approaching it. He immediately called his father and informed him about the incident.
Jalandhar Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur confirmed to reporters late Tuesday that an Activa scooter parked near the gate caught fire suddenly. She stated that Gurpreet is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Witnesses nearby reported hearing a loud sound following the explosion.
On April 27, an explosion occurred at a freight corridor rail track in Shambhu in Patiala. Police had arrested four members of a pro-Khalistan terror module, backed by Pakistan's ISI, for the blast.
In light of these incidents, opposition parties have condemned the AAP government for its handling of the situation.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who also holds the home portfolio, over the recent blasts.
"Three blasts in 10 days, two in a single day, May 5: Jalandhar outside BSF headquarters and Sri Amritsar Sahib Army area, April 27: Rajpura rail track. Continued intelligence failures and the collapse of law and order are a matter of grave concern. Chief Minister @BhagwantMann, who is also the state Home Minister, is busy with mimicry and cheap politics. He has forfeited the right to remain in office," Badal said in a post on X.
Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring also slammed the Mann government over the two blasts.
"Back-to-back blasts have shaken Punjab. Yesterday in Jalandhar, and now near Khasa Camp in Amritsar, this is deeply alarming. Who is trying to destabilise our state? Why has the Punjab Government failed to prevent such incidents? What is the Government of India doing? Repeated lapses point to a serious breakdown of intelligence and security. Punjab's peace cannot be compromised. We demand accountability and immediate action," Warring said in a post on X.
