Maha eyes Waqf-like provisions to protect Devasthan lands in state

Nagpur: Facing a series of objections and confusion over proposed Maharashtra Devasthan Inam Abolition Act, 2026, the state govt on Saturday decided to put the existing draft legislation on hold and constituted a high-level committee to prepare a revised version of the law. Announcing the decision in Nagpur, revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the committee, headed by additional chief secretary (revenue) Vikas Kharge, would examine all objections and suggestions received so far and submit a fresh draft by Aug 15. The revised draft will then be placed again in the public domain, with citizens allowed to submit objections and suggestions till Sept 15."The intention is to bring a strong legal framework that safeguards Devasthan lands and protects the rights of temple trusts," Bawankule said, adding that the govt was also considering provisions similar to laws used for protection and encroachment removal on Waqf Board properties. Bawankule said nearly 5.5 lakh hectares of Devasthan Inam land exist in the state, many of which have allegedly been encroached upon by influential individuals over the years. According to the minister, several temple trusts have been unable to reclaim such lands due to legal and administrative hurdles.The draft legislation was initially published for public feedback between May 6 and June 5. However, following large-scale objections and concerns raised by different sections of society, the govt decided to temporarily halt the process and revisit the proposed provisions.At the same time, the govt indicated that safeguards may be incorporated for cases involving lands cultivated for generations or properties entangled in long-standing legal disputes. Bawankule said the revised law would attempt to create a balanced framework addressing the interests of both Devasthan authorities and occupants with historical claims.The newly formed committee includes divisional commissioners of Pune and Konkan, collectors of Thane and Ahilyanagar districts, Joint Secretary Manisha Jaybhaye and other senior revenue department officials. 15 representatives from religious shrines across the state will also be included in the panel. Joint Secretary Kailas Arjun Gaikwad will function as the member secretary. The minister said the final draft, after incorporating public feedback, is expected to be tabled during the winter session of the state legislature in Dec.