Around 84 of the 100 or so members of the Iranian Zoroastrian Association (IZA) voted in favor of selling 963 acres of land in Palghar belonging to the trust. Following a requisition order on December 10, 2022, 70 voter members signed a petition that a meeting be convened. Held at the Banaji Atash Behram Hall on March 27, 2023, the purpose was "to make the members aware of the details regarding the proposed sale… and to clarify any doubts and queries,” noted a press note issued by IZA president Khodadad Irani on March 29. Clerical assistance for the meeting and voting process was provided by the Bombay Parsi Punchayet and the entire proceedings of the meet were video recorded. Parsiana’s written request sent on February 21 to attend the meet had been denied. Queries raised were addressed by the legal advisor to IZA, Kaiwan Kalyaniwalla, solicitor representing the firm of Maneksha and Sethna.
Kaiwan Kalyaniwalla (l) and Khodadad Irani
The Irani Zoroastrian Association and the lrani Zoroastrian Anjuman of Bombay are one and the same body, it was clarified. "There is only one registration number with the Charity Commissioner’s office.” The press note gave the details of how the land endowed by Jamshed Irani in 1928 totaling 2,334 acres today stands reduced to 963. By an order of the collector dated June 20, 1931, the Anjuman’s holding was reduced to 2,215 acres as per mutation entry dated January 15, 1932. On Jamshed’s death, 200 acres were transferred to his heir and son Rustom in 1933 as required in his will. "In 1958, the Anjuman was required to donate 500 acres under Bhoodan Movement…After prolonged litigation in the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court of India, the government acquired 449 acres under Agricultural Land Ceiling Act and the area of land was reduced to l,066 acres.” In January 1974, the Thana district civil court allowed sub lessees of 108 acres to retain land in their possession as tenants. "Though this land belongs to the IZA, (it) is not saleable,” noted the report, adding that the remaining land is under constant threat of encroachment and "there could also be pressure from the government to acquire more of the land.” In the past, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited has shown interest.
The Association proposes to use the interest from the proceeds of the sale to further their objectives i.e. healthcare, education and welfare of Zoroastrians, both Iranis, and Parsis who receive around 80% of the amounts distributed.
Property consultants Knight Frank will auction the property and expenses incurred for the sale including brokerage costs and charges will be borne by the buyer, states the write-up.
Two beneficiaries, Ardeshir Irani and Farahnaz Irani, however have placed a public notice stating they were "objecting to the sale” and warning potential buyers "not to purchase” the property. F. J.