Maharashtra Puts Devasthan Inam Draft On Hold

Overview

• The state government announced on Saturday that it has withdrawn the draft Devasthan Inam law after receiving a large number of objections, and said hearings will continue until August 15.
• Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge will head a high-level committee charged with studying suggestions and submitting a report by August 15.
• District collectors will accept written objections and representations until September 15, after which the government plans to prepare and republish a revised draft for further comment before seeking legislative approval.
• Temple organisations including the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh and groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad argued the draft could change ownership or control of Devasthan lands and pushed for its withdrawal.
• The bill targets roughly 550,000 hectares of temple-held land long beset by encroachments, and any revised law could both clear occupied plots and provoke legal and political disputes ahead of the planned December legislature session.