Protected Waqf, Vanishing Temple Lands? Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh Questions Government Policy 

Nagpur: Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh has firmly opposed a proposed law by the Maharashtra’s revenue department to transfer Devsthan Inam and temple lands to tenants, occupants and leaseholders, making a strict warning that if they failed to adhere with their demands there would be a state-wide protest. 

Sunil Ghanwat, the organisation’s national organiser, alleged that the proposed legislation was totally unjust and unconstitutional. He said that the move could destroy Hindu temples and benefit land mafias and builders. 

The Mahasangh argued that as per Hindu law, temple property belongs to deity. It is neither trustees or the government to take the authority to transfer such land to private parties. 

Ghanwat further said various Supreme Court and High Court judgements had clarified that tenants cannot acquire ownership rights over Devsthan lands. 

The organisation also questioned what it described as discriminatory treatment between Waqf and temple properties. Citing a 2016 government circular protecting Waqf properties in land records, Mahasangh leaders asked why similar protection was not being given to Hindu temple lands.

National spokesperson Chetan Rajhans warned that the proposed law would violate constitutional guarantees under Articles 25, 26 and 300A and undermine the financial autonomy of temples. He informed that temples were centres of Maharashtra’s cultural, religious and social life and should remain protected from administrative interference.

The Mahasangh has proposed five key demands before the government such as immediate withdrawal of the draft law, clear non-transferable status for Devsthan lands in land records, enactment of strict anti-grabbing law, to set up Special Investigation Team to probe past encroachments and forged records, and finally establishment of fast-track courts to resolve pending disputes within six months.  

The organization stated that if the government fails to do so they will launch a massive statewide agitation against the government involving temple trusts, devotees and Hindu organisations. 

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