Zafaryab Jilani. Image Credit source: File Photo
In Babri Masjid Case Muslim side senior advocate holding Zafaryab Jilani Not anymore. Despite not being in politics, Jilani, who remained in the limelight for three decades, had also been the secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. He used to actively participate in issues related to Muslims and also provided legal assistance when needed. He personally represented many cases.
Jilani, senior advocate of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, breathed his last on Wednesday afternoon at Nishant Hospital. Son Zafaryab Jilani confirmed this. It is said that he was running ill for a long time. He also suffered a brain haemorrhage two years ago after falling in the bathroom, but he recovered from it. However, since then his activism had reduced.
Got identity from Shahbano case
Zafaryab Jilani was born in 1950 in Malihabad, near Lucknow. His childhood was spent here. After this, he took a Masters degree in Law and started practice in the Lucknow High Court bench. He was constantly active on issues related to Muslims. Due to this activism, he gradually came close to the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. In 1985, he became a member of the board. After this, when the Action Committee was formed on behalf of the Muslim Personal Law Board in the Shahbano case, Zafaryab was made its coordinator.
Again got command of Babri Masjid case
The Babri Masjid Action Committee was formed by the Muslim Personal Law Board after the action committee in the Shah Bano case. Jilani was also included in this. Within a short time it became the All India Babri Masjid Action Committee. Zafaryab Jilani was elected its national convenor.
Muslim side firmly placed in Babri Masjid case
During the hearing of the Babri Masjid case, Zafaryab Jilani was in constant limelight. He was known for firmly taking the Muslim side in the case. In 2019, when the Supreme Court gave its verdict in the case, Zafaryab Jilani had said that he was not satisfied with the verdict, but respected it.
A year later, in 2020, as a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, he declared the mosque to be built in Ayodhya illegal under the Waqf Act and Shariat laws. However, Athar Hussain, secretary of the trust set up for the mosque, rejected it saying that everyone interprets Shariat in their own way, how can it be illegal when the land was acquired on the directions of the Supreme Court.
Additional Advocate General was made in SP government
Zafaryab Jilani, who was the convenor of the Babri Masjid Action Committee, was appointed Additional Advocate General by the UP government in 2012. On his new responsibility after becoming Additional Advocate General of UP, he had said that he is well aware of his responsibility and seriousness.
Jilani was also active in social work
Zafaryab Jilani, who had an outspoken opinion on issues related to Muslims, looked after the legal matters of the Muslim Personal Law Board. He was also associated with social work. He also used to work continuously in many NGOs running in Lucknow. He was also associated with many educational institutions. His name was associated with the trust of two other colleges including Mumtat College.
