Temple trusts and Hindu organisations have strongly opposed the proposed ‘Maharashtra Devasthan Inam Abolition Draft Act 2026’ and called for its withdrawal, claiming that it targets properties of Hindu temples while excluding Waqf land from its purview.
A State-level ‘Temple Land Protection Conference’ was held in Mumbai on Monday (May 25, 2026), during which participants passed a resolution demanding immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the proposed legislation, the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh state in a release.
In its resolution, the trusts and Hindu organisations have urged the government to address the fundamental issues faced by temples rather than targeting their land, it stated. Speakers at the conference claimed that thousands of rural and historic temples in Maharashtra remain neglected, with many priests performing daily rituals on meagre incomes.
They demanded that the government address priests’ salaries, restore ancient and dilapidated temples, allocate special funds for renovation, and provide substantial financial assistance for the daily administration of economically weak temples. The conference also demanded the appointment of estate officers for Hindu temple properties, similar to the Waqf properties.
Published – May 26, 2026 03:33 pm IST
