Church and Missionary lands to face strict state audit in Maharashtra

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is set to conduct a time-bound audit of lands owned by churches, Christian missionary organisations, and affiliated institutions in the state. Officials stated that the move aims to identify encroachments, disputed lands and irregularities.

State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule made this announcement in the Legislative Assembly, adding that the process would be completed within three months and action would be taken if any legal violations are uncovered.

This announcement comes just a week after a delegation of Christian organisations met the Mumbai Police Commissioner, seeking protection against repeated threats to prayer meetings from extreme right-wing groups. The issue was raised in the assembly by BJP MLA Devayani Farande, who demanded a resolution to a land transaction dispute linked to the Nashik Diocesan Trust.

In response, Bawankule stated that all lands held by missionary organisations since the British era, as well as properties transferred after Independence, will be scrutinised. The Minister assured that legitimate owners with legally valid titles and lawful property transfers have no reason to worry. However, he added that if any violations of norms or illegalities are detected, the government will review the cases and take appropriate action.

The scrutiny will be conducted by committees led by respective Divisional Commissioners, comprising senior officials from the Settlement Commissioner’s office, the police and the Inspector General of Registration.

In cases where land has already been developed into residential colonies or allocated for public infrastructure projects, the government will seek the opinion of the Law Department before taking a final decision. In March this year, overriding opposition from Christian organisations and Opposition parties, the Maharashtra government passed the Freedom of Religion Bill, an

anti-conversion law.