Maharashtra Govt Orders 'Comprehensive' Probe Into Missionary Land Holdings, Their Transfer
A high-level committee will review records and alleged transfers of church land, while police and the Charity Commissioner will examine a private company.
- On Wednesday, the Maharashtra Government announced a "comprehensive" probe into land parcels held by Christian missionary institutions, aiming to verify ownership and legal compliance within three months.
- BJP MLA Devayani Pharande prompted the decision by highlighting a long-pending dispute involving the Nashik Diocesan Trust Association Limited, which has affected around 5,000 families in Nashik.
- State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said a high-level committee chaired by Divisional Commissioners will oversee the audit to investigate allegations of suspicious transfers and missing pre-1932 documentation.
- Opposition parties criticized the decision as "targeted" and divisive, while the ruling Mahayuti alliance defended the move as necessary for transparency in land records.
- Future phases of this administrative audit will extend to land holdings of other religious institutions, as Maharashtra seeks to ensure land is used according to legal norms.
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Maharashtra Govt to Probe Land Parcels Owned by Churches, Christian Missionaries
State revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule made the announcement in the legislative assembly. He said the exercise would be completed within three months and action would be taken wherever violations are found.
Maharashtra To Hold Comprehensive Review Of Christian Missionary Land Records
The issue was raised by BJP MLA Devayani Pharande who demanded to resolve the long-pending dispute involving the Nashik Diocesan Trust Association Limited, which has affected around 5,000 families in Nashik.
Churches, Christian Missionary owned land parcels will be probed across Maharashtra: Bawankule
Announcing the decision in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the exercise would be completed within three months and action would be taken wherever violations are found.
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaMaharashtra govt orders 'comprehensive' probe into missionary land holdings, their transfer
Maharashtra government will probe suspicious land transfers by Christian institutions. A high-level committee will examine land held by missionary institutions post-Independence. This comprehensive inquiry will cover lands in Nashik and other parts of Maharashtra. The government aims to resolve long-pending disputes affecting thousands of families. Police will investigate the functioning of a private company involved in these transactions.
Amid Rising Attacks on Christian Conversion Rackets, Maharashtra Orders Statewide Audit of Church, Missionary Lands.
Maharashtra Govt. Launches Statewide Review of Church, Missionary Land Holdings Amid Rising Concerns Over Christian Conversion and their Safety. Upendra Bharti | HENB | Mumbai | July 9, 2026:: The Maharashtra government has initiated a statewide examination of land owned by churches, Christian missionary organisations and affiliated institutions, directing revenue authorities to complete a comprehensive…
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