Maharashtra drafts Devasthan Inams Abolition Act 2026 to grant ownership rights to occupants of temple-owned lands

The Maharashtra government has proposed a new law, the Devasthan Inams Abolition Act 2026, to grant ownership rights to occupants of land parcels owned by temple trusts. The draft states nearly 400,000 hectares could be opened to ownership. Rights would be given on payment of a premium, which will be handed over to the temple trusts. Plots used for residential purposes will be granted ownership rights for free. Occupants who encroached on such land will not be evicted if they have held the land prior to January 1, 2011. The government says the move will end long-standing ownership disputes over these properties. The draft has been uploaded on the state revenue department's website, and suggestions and objections from the public are invited until June 5. The district collector will determine whether possession is lawful, with unauthorised occupants facing eviction, while certain eligible long-standing occupants can seek regularisation under specified conditions. The bill also sets ceilings under the Maharashtra Agricultural Lands (Ceiling on Holdings) Act, 1961 and excludes land regulated under the Waqf Act 1995, the Hyderabad Abolition Of Inams and Cash Grants Act 1954, and the Hyderabad Atiyat Inquiries Act 1952. A senior revenue official noted that occupancy rights could unlock redevelopment and monetisation opportunities while funds accrue to temple trusts.