Waqf Board Appointment Case: Delhi Court Frames Charges Against Amanatullah Khan, 10 Others

Amanatullah Khan

A Delhi court on Monday formally framed charges against AAP legislator Amanatullah Khan and 10 co-accused in a case linked to alleged irregularities in the recruitment process at the Delhi Waqf Board during his tenure as its chairperson in 2016.

The case, being heard at the Rouse Avenue District Court, stems from claims that appointments to key positions—including that of the CEO and several daily wage roles—were made without following proper procedures.

Charges Of Graft & Criminal Conspiracy

Special CBI Judge Dig Vinay Singh charged Khan and former Waqf Board CEO Mahboob Alam under laws pertaining to criminal conspiracy and corruption. The remaining accused have been charged with conspiracy.

Although the court has read out the charges to all accused, its detailed order is yet to be made public.

The other individuals named in the case include:

Hamid Akhtar
Kifayatullah Khan
Rafiusshan Khan
Imran Ali
Md. Ahrar
Aquib Jawed
Azhar Khan
Zakir Khand
Abdul Mannar

None of the accused pleaded guilty. All opted to contest the charges in a full trial.

Trial To Begin In August

The court has scheduled hearings for the examination of prosecution witnesses on August 21, 22, 24, and 26. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had earlier submitted a chargesheet in August 2022, detailing alleged misuse of power during Khan’s time as board chairman.

The CBI contends that Khan played a key role in facilitating unlawful appointments, allegedly favouring acquaintances and relatives while sidestepping official recruitment norms.

Background

The accused are currently out on bail. The prosecution claims that recruitment decisions made under Khan’s leadership were marked by procedural violations, raising serious concerns about nepotism and abuse of office.

With charges now framed, the case is set to proceed to the next phase, where the court will begin examining the evidence and witness testimony against the accused.