Maharashtra Grapples with Proliferation of Illegal Statues and Structures

A growing trend of unauthorized statue installations and religious structures across Maharashtra is posing significant challenges to law and order and administrative control. The state is facing a surge in such constructions, often erected without prior permission, leading to disputes, public unrest, and pressure on local authorities to act. In many instances, statues of revered historical figures, particularly Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, are installed first, with permissions sought only afterward, placing administrations in a difficult position.

Statues Erected Without Due Process

Recent reports highlight a disturbing pattern where statues are installed on public land, including highway land, and even on government or private property, bypassing the mandatory multiple approvals required. These approvals typically include clearance from the local civic body or gram panchayat, a police no-objection certificate, land ownership verification, and structural safety approval. However, these regulations are increasingly being circumvented, leading to a proliferation of unauthorized installations.

The situation has led to several confrontations between authorities and groups supporting the installations, who often cite historical or cultural significance as justification. In Mohol, an unauthorized statue of Sambhaji Maharaj appeared on National Highways Authority of India land, and when officials attempted to remove it, supporters resisted, citing its historical importance. Similar incidents have occurred in Chikhla, Hingoli, Shirur, Belagavi, and Navi Mumbai, involving statues of Shivaji Maharaj, often resulting in police cases, arrests, and public clashes.

Challenging Religious Structures and Conversions

Beyond statues, Maharashtra is also confronting the issue of unauthorized religious structures, particularly churches in tribal districts. Concerns have been raised about alleged forced conversions facilitated through these illegal constructions, often built with foreign funding. The state government has announced plans to investigate and demolish hundreds of such unauthorized churches within six months, signaling a tougher stance against religious conversion through inducement or coercion.

This move is accompanied by plans to enact a stringent anti-conversion law, similar to those in other Indian states, which aims to curb such practices. Legislators have highlighted the proliferation of unauthorized church constructions in districts like Dhule and Nandurbar, alleging that tribal communities are being targeted through allurements and the provision of medical help. There are also demands to bar converted tribals from availing benefits under welfare schemes meant for Scheduled Tribes, indicating a complex interplay between religious conversion, development, and social justice issues.

Administrative and Legal Ramifications

The surge in unauthorized constructions, whether statues or religious structures, presents a multifaceted challenge for the Maharashtra government. Local administrations are caught between enforcing the law and managing potential public backlash or law and order situations. The Bombay High Court has also expressed strong criticism of the government’s inaction on illegal hoardings and banners, urging stricter enforcement and increased patrolling to curb such violations.

In many cases, the legal framework exists, with laws like the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in place. However, concerns are being raised about new legislation, such as the Special Public Security Bill, 2024, which some civil society groups fear could be used to curb dissent. The broad definitions of ‘unlawful activity’ in such bills are seen as potentially encompassing a wide range of actions, including speech and association, raising questions about the balance between security and civil liberties.

The issue of unauthorized constructions also extends to environmentally sensitive areas, such as Belapur Hill in Navi Mumbai, where religious establishments have encroached on landslide-susceptible slopes, leading to protests from citizens concerned about public safety and environmental degradation. Authorities have acknowledged these violations and issued removal notices, but the structures often reappear, underscoring the persistent challenge of enforcement.

The Maharashtra government faces the critical task of not only addressing the immediate problem of illegal statues and structures but also strengthening regulatory mechanisms and ensuring stricter adherence to existing laws. This involves a delicate balancing act to maintain public order, protect cultural heritage, safeguard the environment, and uphold the rule of law without stifling legitimate expression or cultural practices.