Ambani’s Antilia in Legal Spotlight: Allegations of Construction on Waqf Land Resurface

NEWS CHARIOT:-Mukesh Ambani’s iconic residence, Antilia, one of the most expensive private homes in the world, has once again entered the public discourse—this time not for its luxury, but due to a legal controversy over the land it stands on.

Antilia, situated on Mumbai’s prestigious Peddar Road, was reportedly constructed at a staggering cost of ₹15,000 crore. While it has long symbolized the wealth of India’s richest man and Reliance Industries chairman, recent parliamentary discussions on the Waqf Amendment Bill have reignited a long-standing dispute surrounding the land.

Fresh allegations claim that Antilia was built on Waqf land—property donated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. According to reports, Mukesh Ambani purchased the plot in 2002 for approximately ₹21 crore. Spanning around 4.32 lakh square feet, the land is now said to be under the purview of the Maharashtra State Waqf Board, which has led to renewed legal and ethical scrutiny.

This dispute is not new. It first reached the courts in 2005 after revelations that the land had originally been donated in 1986 by a philanthropist, Kareem Bhai Ibrahim, for religious education and orphan care. Critics argue that the Waqf Board’s decision to sell the land to private individuals violated legal provisions, as Waqf assets are not meant for commercial or personal use.

Legal experts highlight that under Indian law, Waqf properties cannot be sold or transferred without proper authorization. The involvement of former board officials in facilitating the sale has also drawn criticism and raised concerns over accountability.

Nationwide, Waqf properties have grown from about 52,000 acres in 1950 to over 9.4 lakh acres in 2025, many of which are mired in legal battles.

As the courts once again examine the legitimacy of the land deal, Antilia has become more than just a luxurious residence—it stands at the center of a sensitive debate on the use and protection of religious trust properties in India.

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