Archive · 25 Jun 2025
Mumbai Mosque Property Sale Sparks Community Dispute
Imagine a very old mosque in Mumbai that owns buildings.
The people who run the mosque decided to let a builder redevelop one of the buildings.
However, some former leaders are upset because they think the current leaders didn't follow the rules when they made this deal.
They say the building was transferred to the builder without getting permission from a special government board.
The current leaders say they're doing what's best for the community and that they need the money to take care of the mosque.
Now, the government board is looking into what happened.
Dispute erupts over sale of development rights of Zakaria Masjid's building in Mumbai.
Former trustees accuse current management of illegal property transfers.
The Bazarwala Building was reportedly transferred to a builder without Waqf Board approval.
Current trustees claim the deal benefits the community and followed past procedures.
The Waqf Board is currently holding hearings regarding the property transfer.
- Who
- Former and current trustees of Zakaria Masjid and the Waqf Board.
- What
- Dispute over the sale of development rights of a building owned by the Zakaria Masjid.
- When
- The building was transferred in 2014, and the Waqf Board sent a notice in 2020.
- Where
- Mumbai, India.
- Why
- Disagreement over the legality and community benefit of the property transfer.
Former Trustee Viewpoint
Current Trustee Viewpoint
Legality of the Transfer
Former Trustee Viewpoint
The property transfer was illegal because it did not obtain required approvals.
Current Trustee Viewpoint
The property transfer followed past practices and the community will benefit from the deal.
Community Benefit
Former Trustee Viewpoint
The community's interests were not properly considered in the transaction.
Current Trustee Viewpoint
The transaction will help maintain the mosque and provide services to the community.
- Mosque Name
- Zakaria Masjid
- Community
- Cutchi Memon
- Building in Question
- Bazarwala Building
- Transfer Date
- 2014
- Waqf Board Notice
- 2020
- Sale Fee
- Rs 1.5 crores
- Additional Compensation
- 7 flats