Maharashtra Government Halts Proposed Temple Land Law Amidst Widespread Objections

The Maharashtra government has temporarily suspended its proposed law concerning Devasthan Inam lands, also known as temple trust properties, following a significant influx of objections and suggestions from various stakeholders. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced on Saturday that the draft legislation would be withdrawn for the time being, with hearings on the received feedback scheduled to continue until August 15.

Public Consultation and Subsequent Hold on Legislation

The draft bill, introduced to the public domain on May 7, invited objections and suggestions until June 5. The substantial volume of responses necessitated the government’s decision to pause the legislative process. Minister Bawankule stated that the government’s intention behind the proposed law was to safeguard Devasthan lands from encroachments and provide legal protection to temple properties. He emphasized that a considerable portion of these lands remains unusable due to encroachments, and the government is committed to making them encroachment-free.

The minister further elaborated that the government believes these lands require legal fortification to prevent them from gradually falling out of the control of temple institutions. He acknowledged that several misconceptions surrounding the proposed legislation had arisen and expressed confidence that the consultation process would help clarify the ambiguities.

Opposition from Temple Organizations and Hindu Groups

The proposed legislation had encountered strong opposition from numerous temple organizations and Hindu groups, including the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh. Their primary concern revolved around certain provisions of the draft law that they argued could potentially impact the ownership and control of Devasthan lands by granting rights to existing occupants, cultivators, priests, managers, and other associated individuals. These organizations claimed that the proposed changes could affect approximately 5.5 lakh hectares of Devasthan land across Maharashtra and consequently demanded the withdrawal and thorough reworking of the draft legislation.

Critics argued that Devasthan lands represent one of the largest categories of such endowments in the state and expressed fears that the proposed law could undermine the financial independence, religious autonomy, and cultural heritage of thousands of temples. Concerns were also raised about potential constitutional issues concerning Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and the right of religious denominations to manage their affairs. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has been particularly vocal, warning of far-reaching consequences and advocating for a comprehensive review, a white paper, and the formation of an expert committee before any decisions are made.

Background of Devasthan Inam Lands

Historically, Devasthan Inam lands were grants made by rulers to temples, mathas, and religious institutions for their maintenance and the performance of rituals. Over the years, many of these lands have come under the cultivation or occupation of farmers, tenants, and other individuals, leading to complex ownership disputes. The draft bill aimed to address these long-standing issues by providing a legal framework to grant ownership rights to occupants upon payment of a premium, with residential plots potentially being granted free of charge. Unauthorized occupants who had been on the land before January 1, 2011, were also to be considered for regularization.

The government had asserted that the bill was intended to resolve disputes and bring clarity to the rights of cultivators, occupants, and temple trusts, stating that it did not aim to divest temples of their lands but rather to protect them from encroachment and mismanagement. However, the opposition maintains that the proposed law, by granting ownership rights to occupants, effectively strips temples of their long-held control and financial resources derived from these lands.

The government’s decision to hold the proposed law and conduct further hearings indicates a recognition of the deep-seated concerns raised by religious bodies and the public. The outcome of the consultations by August 15 will determine the future course of legislation concerning these significant temple properties in Maharashtra.