Maharashtra Charity Commissioner Orders Halt on ₹230-Crore Trust Property Redevelopment Deal in Pune Model Colony

Maharashtra Charity Commissioner Amogh Kaloti has issued a directive to maintain a status quo on a controversial ₹230-crore land sale and redevelopment agreement involving the Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust and Gokhale Landmarks LLP, a real estate developer based in Pune, according to reports. The trust-owned property in question, located in Pune's upscale Model Colony, has triggered protests and legal challenges amidst allegations of misrepresentation and concerns over religious structures.

Overview of the Property Transaction

The property under scrutiny spans 3.5 acres of trust land in Model Colony, one of Pune's premium localities. The transaction, valued at ₹230 crore, involved Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust selling the land to Gokhale Landmarks LLP. The Charity Commissioner has now mandated that the status quo be maintained until further hearings, with an inspection report deadline set for October 27, 2025. Two legal applications have been filed by community protestors challenging the transaction, and the presence of an alleged 65-year-old Jain temple on the property has become a focal point of the dispute.

Religious Concerns at the Center of Legal Dispute

At the core of the controversy lies the alleged existence of a 65-year-old Jain temple on the property, a fact that protestors claim was not disclosed by the trust in its application to sell the land, according to the reports. The Sakal Jain Samaj, representing community members, organized a protest march demanding the revocation of the deal and protection of the religious structure.

In response to these concerns, the Charity Commissioner has ordered a comprehensive inspection of the site. The Pune Joint Charity Commissioner has been tasked with preparing a report addressing several critical questions including whether a Jain temple exists on the premises, who owns and maintains it, the area it occupies, and whether the proposed redevelopment would affect or necessitate its removal. The commissioner's preliminary observations indicated that, prima facie, a religious structure does appear to exist on the property, and its omission from the trust's sale application is now under scrutiny.

Transaction Timeline and Allegations

According to the trust's account, the land was offered through a public bidding process. Gokhale Landmarks LLP reportedly submitted the highest offer, which was accepted on January 27, 2025, and received official sanction from the Charity Commissioner's office on April 4, 2025.

However, protestors have raised several allegations against the trust. They claim that the trust falsely represented that an 18,000 sq ft hostel on the site was dilapidated and beyond repair. Additionally, they allege that the trust claimed it had no funds for restoration, and that the trust's financial resources were either misrepresented or misused. These allegations have added another layer of complexity to the legal aspects of property transactions.

Political Dimension Emerges

The controversy has also taken on a political dimension. Union junior civil aviation minister Murlidhar Mohol, who has faced opposition criticism for his alleged past associations with Gokhale Landmarks LLP, distanced himself from the matter on Sunday. He stated that he had severed ties with the firm long ago and has no involvement in the current transaction.

Next Steps and Interim Restrictions

The inspection report from the Pune Joint Charity Commissioner is due by October 27, 2025, which could significantly impact the future of the ₹230-crore redevelopment plan. Until that time, no redevelopment activities, sale transactions, or alterations to the land are permitted. Both the trustees and the developer have been prohibited from taking any further steps involving the property.

Broader Implications for Trust Properties

The controversy surrounding this Model Colony property highlights the growing tension between heritage preservation, religious sentiments, and high-stakes urban redevelopment in India. Similar concerns have emerged in other regions, particularly regarding regulatory oversight in Maharashtra's real estate sector. As Pune continues to witness significant growth in residential development projects, the outcome of this case could establish important precedents for how trust-owned properties with religious affiliations are handled in future real estate transactions.

For investors and homebuyers interested in Pune's property market, this case underscores the importance of thorough due diligence and verification of property titles and encumbrances before entering into any real estate transaction.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on information available from public sources and reports as of October 2025. The details mentioned are for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify information independently and consult legal experts before making any property-related decisions. The views and opinions expressed are those of the sources cited and do not necessarily reflect the official position of this publication.