Hindutva Organisations Mobilise Against Proposed Temple Land Law; Demand Clarity from Maharashtra Government.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Nagpur | May 06, 2026:: A fresh political and socio-religious debate has emerged in Maharashtra after several Hindutva organisations voiced strong opposition to the state government’s proposed legislation concerning Devasthan Inam (temple endowment) lands. The move, announced by senior BJP leader and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, has triggered apprehensions among religious groups, who fear increased state intervention in temple properties. Many other BJP ministers and RSS-linked MLAs also reportedly supported Bawankule’s statement out of self-interest. 

According to Bawankule, the government is preparing a comprehensive law aimed at resolving long-standing disputes over Devasthan Inam lands, particularly in Western Maharashtra and the Konkan region. Nearly 400,000 hectares of land fall under this category. The draft legislation is expected to be uploaded on the Revenue Department’s official website, inviting public suggestions before a final decision is taken during the July legislative session.

However, the proposal has met with resistance from organisations such as the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh and Sanatan Sanstha, both of which have warned of statewide protests if the bill is implemented without addressing their concerns.

Concerns Over Alleged State Control

Leaders of these organisations argue that the proposed law could pave the way for increased government control over temple lands, potentially opening avenues for exploitation. They allege that the new framework may introduce a system involving government authorities and private contractors, which could lead to encroachment or mismanagement of temple-owned properties.

Sunil Ghanwat, National Organiser of the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh, questioned whether the legislation is a veiled attempt to transfer temple lands to land mafias. He demanded that the state government clarify its position within 15 days, warning that failure to do so would result in a mass agitation across Maharashtra. At the same time, he expressed cautious optimism, noting that the current administration identifies itself as pro-Hindutva.

Legal and Historical Context

Under the Public Devasthan Act 1995, a deity is legally recognised as the owner of temple endowments. As a result, temple lands are not permitted to be sold or transferred. Historically, such lands were donated by kings and rulers to sustain temple activities and support priests. The responsibility for protecting these lands lies with the state, a principle also upheld by rulings of the Supreme Court of India.

Critics argue that the proposed law may dilute these protections. Advocate Anup Jaiswal alleged that the legislation risks undermining the very legal safeguards that currently govern religious endowments.

Questions Raised Over Revenue and Equity

Chetan Hansraj, National Secretary of the Sanatan Sanstha, called for the immediate withdrawal of the draft. He highlighted that in Western Maharashtra alone, around 28 acres of temple land are already under state control and questioned how much revenue has been generated from these holdings.

Hansraj also raised concerns about what he described as unequal treatment, questioning why temple lands are being subjected to new regulations while properties under the Waqf Board are, according to him, being protected.

Government’s Position

The state government maintains that the proposed legislation is intended to bring clarity to ownership and tenancy rights, particularly for cultivators working on Devasthan lands. Officials argue that a clear legal framework is necessary to resolve disputes and streamline land records.

Growing Political Debate

The controversy has sparked a wider debate in Maharashtra over the role of the state in managing religious institutions and properties. The discontent among Hindutva organisations—traditionally seen as aligned with the ruling establishment—has added a new dimension to the issue, raising questions about governance, religious autonomy, and land rights.

With protests being threatened and the draft legislation yet to be finalised, the coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining whether the government revises its approach or faces escalating opposition on the ground.