Temple Bodies Launch Statewide Protest Against Maharashtra Devasthan Land Draft Law

The Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh has announced a statewide agitation beginning Sunday against the proposed State Devasthan Inam Abolition Draft Act, 2026 , alleging that the legislation unfairly targets Hindu temple properties while excluding Waqf lands from its ambit.

The draft law seeks to grant ownership rights to tenants and occupants of lands historically held by temple trusts, resolve long-pending disputes, and unlock nearly 400,000 hectares of land for legal and administrative settlement. However, the proposal has triggered strong opposition from temple bodies and Hindu organisations across Maharashtra.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Mahasangh said more than 300 memorandums had been submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis , Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde , state ministers, and district collectors demanding the unconditional withdrawal of the draft legislation.

The Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh, a coalition of temple trustees, priests, and religious organisations, claimed the proposed Act would deprive temples of lands historically donated by rulers including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and other royal dynasties. According to the organisation, these lands were granted for the maintenance of temples and religious activities and should remain under temple control.

The Mahasangh also alleged religious discrimination in the draft law, stating that Section 1 excludes Waqf Board properties while bringing Hindu temple lands under the proposed legislation. It further objected to Section 18 of the draft, claiming it prevents trustees from approaching civil courts against decisions taken by revenue authorities.

The organisation said the agitation was aimed at protecting temple properties and ensuring equal treatment of all religious institutions under the law.

The state government, meanwhile, has maintained that the draft legislation is intended to resolve disputes surrounding Devasthan Inam lands and provide legal ownership rights to tenants and occupants. According to the Mahasangh, the government has assured temple representatives that a special meeting with Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule will be convened to discuss their objections and grievances regarding the proposed Act.