Waqf board case: Charges framed against AAP MLA
These appointments were allegedly made by the 'misuse and abuse' of the official positions of Khan and Alam.
In its order, the court said, 'Where there is strong suspicion, it is sufficient at this stage to indicate a conspiracy involving all these parties.'
The court added, 'The actions and omissions of these accused clearly show that they had a mutual understanding, either express or implied, to facilitate the illegal appointments (of Alam and 10 others) and this warrants the framing of conspiracy charges against all involved.'
The court referred to Section 101 of the Waqf Act, which says besides board members, any individual duly appointed to perform duties under the act be regarded as a public servant under the law.
'Accordingly, a strong suspicion does arise against all the 11 accused, and the facts do disclose prima facie sufficient material to frame charges against all of them,' the court said.
Charges were framed under Section 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC read with 13(1)(d) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, against Amanatullah Khan for being involved in the conspiracy with Alam and nine others.
All the accused persons pleaded not guilty, following which the court posted the matter for August 21.
Procedures violated: CBI
According to the CBI, Khan, during his tenure as chairman of Delhi Waqf Board from 2016 to 2021, misused his position to make appointments in violation of established rules and procedures. Among these was appointment of Mahboob Alam as CEO of the board, the central agency submitted in its chargesheet.
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