Maharashtra Pulls Devasthan Inam Bill Following Temple Trust Pushback

Earlier this month the Maharashtra cabinet announced a draft amendment to the century‑old Devasthan Inam Act, a law that deals with the administration of temple lands and revenues. The intention, as the government put it, was to streamline the management of these assets and, allegedly, to plug revenue leaks.

But the proposal didn’t sit well with the very custodians of those temples. A chorus of objections poured in from dozens of temple trusts across the state, many of which argued that the bill threatened the autonomy of religious institutions and could be weaponised for political ends.

"We are custodians of centuries‑old heritage, not pieces of a revenue puzzle," said one senior trustee, his voice tinged with both frustration and a hint of resignation. Similar sentiments were echoed in letters sent to the chief minister’s office, in public meetings, and even on social media, where the hashtag #ProtectTemples trended for a few days.

Critics also warned that the amendment might blur the line between secular governance and religious affairs, a line that India’s constitution guards quite carefully. Legal experts weighed in, noting that any attempt to re‑classify temple lands could invite protracted court battles, further muddying an already delicate issue.

Faced with mounting pressure, the state government took a step back. On Friday, the Deputy Chief Minister announced that the Devasthan Inam Bill would be withdrawn for the time being, allowing more dialogue with the affected trusts. "We respect the concerns raised and are committed to finding a solution that safeguards both heritage and public interest," the statement read.

The episode serves as a reminder of how swiftly legislative initiatives can run into cultural and political roadblocks in a diverse country like India. For now, the Devasthan Inam Act remains unchanged, but the conversation about the future of temple administration is far from over.