The iconic Antilia, Mukesh and Nita Ambani’s 27-storey mansion on Mumbai’s Altamount Road, has once again found itself at the center of a legal and political storm. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi recently reignited the debate, claiming that the land on which Antilia stands was originally Waqf property, raising questions about the legality of its sale.
According to reports, the 4,532-square-meter plot was donated to the Waqf Board in 1986 by Kareem Bhai Ibrahim for charitable purposes, including an orphanage and a religious school. However, in 2002, the land was sold to Mukesh Ambani for ₹21.5 crore. Critics, including Owaisi, allege that the sale did not adhere to the proper procedures mandated by the Waqf Board. Specifically, such transactions require approval from a two-thirds majority of the Board, which reportedly did not occur. Additionally, the involvement of the Charity Commissioner in the sale has been questioned, as only the Waqf Board is authorized to approve such deals.
The controversy has resurfaced amid the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, which aims to modernize the management of Waqf properties. Legal experts suggest that if the land was indeed Waqf property, the sale could face serious legal challenges. Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had previously stated that his government would act based on the findings of an investigation into the matter, but the case has remained unresolved in court for years.
As the debate continues, the Ambani family remains in residence at Antilia, which is valued at approximately ₹15,000 crore and features luxury amenities such as a spa, gym, private theatre, helipad, and temple. The case highlights broader issues surrounding the management and sale of Waqf properties in India, with calls for greater transparency and accountability.
The outcome of this controversy could set a precedent for how disputes over religious and charitable lands are handled in the future, making it a closely watched case in legal and political circles.
