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PCB asks Shiloh church to regularise prayer hall after protests
The Pune Cantonment Board asked the Shiloh Marathi Church of Christ to regularise its prayer hall within the Poona Christian Cemetery after protests over a demolition notice. A delegation filed an application on April 20, 2026, arguing peaceful possession and social welfare use and seeking a delay to allow legal formalities. The PCB indicated the structure was built without approvals but can be regularised under existing rules, referencing prior notices from 2006 and 2014.
Why It Matters
The dispute centers on regulatory approval for worship space within a cantonment campus and the balance between religious rights and land-use rules, with potential implications for how regularisation is handled in similar cases.
Timeline
7 Events
PCB to examine regularisation application and stay on demolition
April 20, 2026
PCB officials said the regularisation application would be examined as per rules before any further action. The demolition was stayed to allow the church to present its case.
Delegation meets PCB CEO and submits regularisation petition
April 20, 2026
A delegation led by Pastor Robin Mahadkar, along with Azad Samaj Party Pune president Tosif Shaikh and advocate Tosif Shaikh, met PCB CEO Vidyadhar Pawar and submitted an application seeking regularisation of the prayer hall. The petition, dated April 20, asserts peaceful possession and social welfare use and requests a joint survey and hearing.
Protests against demolition and JCB deployment
April 17, 2026
Nearly 1,000 Marathi-speaking Christian community members gathered at the cemetery main gate to oppose the demolition action. A JCB machine deployed for demolition was blocked by protesters, forcing officials to withdraw.
Demolition notice served to the church
April 13, 2026
The demolition notice dated March 23, 2026, was served on April 13, 2026, prompting protests.
Demolition notice issued for unauthorised construction
March 23, 2026
The PCB issued a demolition notice dated March 23, 2026, for unauthorised construction within survey numbers 545, 546 and 547 in the cemetery campus.
Appeal against notice dismissed
2014
An appeal filed by the church against the 2006 notice was dismissed in 2014.
First PCB notice on unauthorised construction
2006
The Pune Cantonment Board issued its first notice regarding unauthorised construction at the Shiloh Marathi Church of Christ within the Poona Christian Cemetery premises.