Maharashtra orders three month audit of church and missionary land parcels
The Maharashtra government on Wednesday ordered a time-bound audit of all land parcels owned by churches and Christian missionary organizations across the state to identify illegal encroachments, disputed titles, and ownership irregularities. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the decision in the Legislative Assembly, stating that the exercise will be completed within three months.
According to Bawankule, the audit is part of the state government’s broader policy to streamline land administration in Maharashtra. The scrutiny will apply to all land held by Christian missionary organizations. The minister assured that organizations holding legally valid land titles and transfers have no reason to worry, but warned that the government will review cases and take action where violations are found.
The probe will examine land held by missionary organizations since the British era, as well as properties transferred after Independence, to determine whether any laws were violated during those transactions.
A high-powered committee will carry out the verification process. This panel will be headed by the respective divisional commissioner of each region. It will also comprise senior officials from the Settlement Commissioner’s office, the police department, and the Inspector General of Registration.
Bawankule stated that the audit aims to ensure transparency and verify the legality of land ownership. He noted that if any privately transferred land is found to be suspicious or in violation of prescribed norms, the government will initiate legal processes to reclaim the land.
In cases where the disputed land has already been developed into residential colonies or allotted for public infrastructure projects, the government will consult its legal department. Bawankule said a final decision on such properties would only be taken after obtaining a formal legal opinion.
The minister’s announcement was made in response to a calling attention motion raised by legislators in the Assembly over alleged irregularities in land transfers and disputes over land titles.
