Mandir Mahasangh strongly opposes Maharashtra Devasthan Inam Abolition Draft Act 2026

• Memorandum submitted to Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister

• Chief Minister directs administration to hold meeting with temple trustees in presence of Revenue Minister

The proposed Maharashtra Devasthan Inam Abolition Draft Act 2026, introduced by the state government’s Revenue and Forest Department, has raised concerns about the future of Devasthan lands. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has indicated that the law may be introduced in the upcoming session.

Reacting to the proposal, the Mandir Mahasangh stated that the law could adversely affect the existence of Hindu Devasthans and benefit land-related interests. 

To oppose the proposed law and demand its withdrawal, the Mandir Mahasangh has been submitting memorandums at multiple locations across Maharashtra, including the CM and Deputy CM.

The Mandir Mahasangh has taken the stand that Devasthan Inam lands should not be sold. In this regard, National Coordinator of Mandir Mahasangh, Shri. Sunil Ghanwat met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Mantralaya on 14 May and presented the concerns of temple trustees.

Following this, the Chief Minister directed the administration to organise a meeting of temple trustees in the presence of the Revenue Minister.

Demand raised with Deputy Chief Minister to scrap proposed Act

Shri. Sunil Ghanwat also met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on 14 May and submitted a memorandum demanding that the proposed Devasthan Inam Abolition Act be scrapped.

The Deputy Chief Minister also directed that a meeting be held with the Revenue Minister on this matter.

Revenue Minister assures to understand trustees’ stand

The draft Act has invited suggestions and objections until 5 June. Since the proposal may allow the sale of temple lands, there is growing concern among temple trustees across the state.

The Mandir Mahasangh, through its National Coordinator Shri. Sunil Ghanwat, urged Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule to consider the concerns of trustees. The Minister assured that a meeting with temple trustees would be held on 21 May. Shri. Ghanwat met him at Mantralaya on 14 May to present these concerns. 

Press conference in Kolhapur

Withdraw proposed Act affecting Hindu Devasthans immediately – Mandir Mahasangh

Kolhapur, Maharashtra – The proposed Maharashtra Devasthan Inam Abolition Draft Act 2026 could impact the autonomous functioning and income sources of thousands of Hindu Devasthans in the state.

Addressing a press conference in Kolhapur, National Coordinator Shri. Sunil Ghanwat stated that the draft contains serious legal concerns and may affect the religious and property rights of temples. He demanded that the government withdraw the proposal without conditions and warned of a statewide movement if the law is pursued.

Present on the occasion were District Coordinator Shri. Prasad Kulkarni, Coordinator Shri. Pramod Sawant, Co-coordinator Shri. Ashok Gurav, Temple Trustee Shri. Hasmukhbhai Shah, Shri. Rajendra Sharma, and Shri. Sanjay Devne.

Shri. Hasmukhbhai Shah stated that the draft had been prepared without following principles of natural justice, as temples were not given an opportunity to present their views. He also questioned the selective application of the law to Hindu temples alone.

Shri. Ashok Gurav added that for the smooth functioning of temples, Devasthan lands must remain under the ownership of the temples themselves. He also suggested that the government should introduce a structured salary system for temple priests.

Ahilyanagar

Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra – The proposed Maharashtra Devasthan Inam Abolition Draft Act 2026, introduced by the state government’s Revenue and Forest Department, has raised serious concerns regarding the future of Devasthan lands. 

Reacting to the proposal, the Mandir Mahasangh has stated that the law could undermine the existence of Hindu Devasthans and primarily benefit land-related interests.

To oppose the proposed law and demand its immediate withdrawal, the Mandir Mahasangh has been submitting memorandums at various locations across Maharashtra.

Memorandum submitted in Ahilyanagar 

A memorandum demanding the immediate withdrawal of the draft was submitted to P.P. Swami Govinddev Giri Maharaj and NCP MLA Sangram Jagtap. 

The memorandum stated that if implemented, the proposed law would end the ownership of temples over Devasthan Inam lands and transfer such lands to current occupants, thereby affecting the foundation of temple administration. 

Dignitaries present

Present on the occasion were District Coordinator Shri. Bharat Shinde, Co-coordinator Shri. Ganesh Palange, Temple Trustee Shri. Om Pandey, District Organisers Shri. Bapu Thange, Rameshwar Bhukan, Mukul Gandhe from Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, along with Amol Humbe, Sanjay Joshi, Chaitanya Shekde, and others.