SP Leader Abu Azmi alleges arbitrary action, claims move violates century-old Trust deed
Team Clarion
MUMBAI — A fresh controversy has erupted over the management of Mumbai’s iconic Minara Masjid, with the Waqf Board’s decision to appoint a new trustee facing strong opposition from Muslim leaders and political figures. The historic mosque, located on Mohammed Ali Road, has been at the centre of a heated debate after the Waqf Board appointed a Board of Trustees to oversee its administration, a move that has sparked allegations of overreach and illegality.
Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Asim Azmi has been vocal in his criticism of the decision, calling it “arbitrary” and warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for other mosques in the state. “This is a completely arbitrary order. The appointment has been made without consulting the existing trustees, and it violates the trust deed of the mosque,” Azmi said.
The Minara Masjid, which is over a century old, has traditionally been managed by the Memon community. The recent appointment of a trustee from outside the community has further fueled the controversy. Azmi argued that the move is illegal, stating, “Non-Memons cannot be appointed to the trust. This is a clear violation of the trust’s founding principles.”
The Minara Masjid Trust was established in 1879 under the Bombay High Court and later came under the purview of the Maharashtra Public Trust Act, 1950. Azmi emphasised that the trust has been operating under this Act for decades and questioned the Waqf Board’s authority to intervene. “This is a trust, and the Waqf has no right to pass such an order. The Maharashtra Public Trust Act governs its functioning, and any changes must adhere to that,” he said.
Azmi also criticised Waqf CEO Junaid Saeedi, accusing him of acting in self-interest. “This decision benefits no one but those in power. It undermines the trust’s legacy and the rights of the Memon community,” he alleged.
The controversy has drawn attention from various quarters, with many fearing that the issue could escalate during the upcoming budget session of the Maharashtra Assembly. Political parties are expected to raise the matter, highlighting concerns over the Waqf Board’s intervention in religious institutions.
In response to the growing unrest, Azmi announced plans to visit Minara Masjid and hold discussions with prominent scholars and community leaders, including Jarrat Khalid Ashraf, Hazrat Moinmiyan, Maulana Zaheeruddin Khan, and Saeed Noori. “We will resolve this issue through dialogue and ensure that the rights of the community are protected,” he said.