Zafaryab Jilani
Zafaryab Jilani | |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 February 1950 Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Died | 17 May 2023 (aged 73) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Occupation | Advocate |
| Known for | Legal representation in the Ram Janmabhoomi–Babri Masjid dispute |
| Office | Additional Advocate General of Uttar Pradesh |
Zafaryab Jilani (7 February 1950 – 17 May 2023) was an Indian senior advocate and legal activist best known for representing the Muslim side in the legal battle over the Ram Janmabhoomi–Babri Masjid dispute. He was the convener of the Babri Masjid Action Committee and the secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. He also served as Additional Advocate General of Uttar Pradesh.[1]
Early life and education
Zafaryab Jilani was born on 7 February 1950 in Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.[2] He earned his law degree and later completed a master's degree in law.
Career
Jilani became active in legal advocacy on Muslim personal law issues and joined the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, later serving as its secretary. He was also convener of the Babri Masjid Action Committee, formed in 1986 after the Faizabad district judge ordered the Babri Masjid's locks to be opened. In this role, he led the Muslim litigants’ legal battle from lower courts up to the Supreme Court of India for several decades.[1]
In 2012, Jilani was appointed as Additional Advocate General of Uttar Pradesh, representing the state government in legal matters.[2]
Jilani opposed decisions such as the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict dividing the disputed land and the 2019 ruling of the Supreme Court of India allotting the site for construction of a Ram temple, arguing these decisions were contrary to legal principles.[1]
Personal life
Jilani was married to Azra Jilani and is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter. The family lived in Qaiserbagh, Lucknow.[3]
Illness and death
In May 2021, Jilani suffered a brain haemorrhage after a fall and was hospitalized. His health declined, and he died on 17 May 2023 at a hospital in Lucknow following a prolonged illness. He was 73.[1]
Legacy
Jilani was respected for his legal knowledge and dedication to Muslim personal law and the Babri Masjid dispute. Colleagues described him as soft-spoken yet formidable in court.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d "AIMPLB secretary Zafaryab Jilani, who fought Babri dispute, passes away at 73". The Times of India. 18 May 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Zafaryab Jilani appointed as additional advocate general of Uttar Pradesh". The Times of India. 2 April 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Zafaryab Jilani, who argued in Ram Janmabhoomi case, dies at 73". The Indian Express. 17 May 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2026.