Temple trusts across Maharashtra have announced plans to stage protests against a proposed state law that they describe as discriminatory and intrusive. The draft legislation, currently under review by the Maharashtra government, seeks to grant ownership rights to tenants and occupants of lands historically owned by temple trusts. According to officials, the law aims to resolve long-pending disputes and unlock approximately 400,000 hectares of land for development and revenue generation.
Trust Concerns Over Autonomy
Representatives of several major temple trusts have voiced strong opposition, arguing that the law unfairly targets religious institutions. They claim that the proposed measure would strip trusts of their traditional control over vast landholdings, which have been used for centuries to fund religious activities, charitable works, and maintenance of temples.
In a joint statement, trust leaders said: "This law is a direct attack on the autonomy of temple trusts. It undermines our ability to manage our own property and threatens the financial stability of our institutions. We will hold peaceful protests across the state to demand its withdrawal."
Government's Perspective
State government officials, however, defend the draft law as a progressive step toward land reform. They argue that many temple trust lands remain underutilized or tied up in legal disputes, depriving tenants of rightful ownership and hindering economic growth. A senior official stated: "Our objective is to resolve century-old land issues and provide security to millions of farmers and residents who have been living on these lands for generations. The law includes safeguards to ensure that temples continue to receive adequate compensation."
Proposed Protests
The temple trusts are mobilizing their supporters, including priests, devotees, and local communities, for a series of demonstrations in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and other cities. They plan to submit memorandums to the governor and the chief minister, urging a review of the draft. Some trusts have also threatened legal action if the law is enacted, citing constitutional protections for religious institutions.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between religious endowments and state-led land reforms in India. As the debate intensifies, all eyes are on the Maharashtra government's next move, with the draft law expected to be tabled in the state assembly in the coming months.
