Renowned legal expert and Secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Zafaryab Jilani, has tragically passed away in Lucknow. According to M R Shamshad, a lawyer and close associate of Jilani, he succumbed to a head injury sustained recently. Jilani, aged approximately 74, had been in poor health for the past two years.
Shamshad shared that Mr Zafaryab Jilani had experienced a brain hemorrhage two years ago, which led him to confine himself to his home. As the convenor of the Babri Masjid Action Committee, Jilani had displayed exceptional legal expertise while presenting arguments in the Ram Janmabhoomi case before the Supreme Court. He had previously served as the Additional Advocate General (AAG) for the Uttar Pradesh government and represented the state in various cases before the Supreme Court.
Shamshad fondly remembered Jilani as a proficient lawyer and a compassionate individual. Despite his expertise in the field of law, Jilani always remained curious and eager to expand his knowledge. In May 2021, he was admitted to Medanta Hospital due to a brain hemorrhage, during which he also tested positive for COVID-19 and received treatment.
On the day of the landmark judgment on the Ram Janmabhoomi case by the Supreme Court on November 8, 2019, Jilani expressed dissatisfaction but respected the decision of the highest court in the land. Jilani’s passing is a significant loss to the legal community, as well as to those who knew him personally and admired his contributions to the field of law.
Born in 1950 in the mango orchard town of Malihabad, located on the outskirts of the state capital Lucknow, the senior advocate completed his master’s degree in law. His engagement in Muslim affairs led him to establish a connection with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. Recognizing his valuable contributions, he was appointed as the convener of the Shah Bano case.
read more: Babri Masjid, a Timeline of How Indianness was Safforanised
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