Archive · 30 Oct 2025
Charity Commissioner Cancels Rs 230 Crore Jain Boarding Property Deal Amidst Controversy
A charity group, the Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust, planned to sell a valuable property in Pune for 230 crore rupees to a developer called Gokhale Landmarks LLP.
This property is very important to the Jain community because it includes a temple and a hostel.
The Jain community protested strongly, calling the deal an attempt to grab their sacred land.
The Charity Commissioner of Maharashtra stepped in and cancelled the sale.
The developer agreed to back out of the deal to respect the community's feelings.
The trust has to return all the money to the developer and restore the property's title.
While many see this as a victory for fairness, some politicians are demanding a deeper investigation into who was involved and whether the Charity Commissioner had the full authority to cancel the deal.
The Charity Commissioner of Maharashtra has cancelled the Rs 230 crore property sale deed between Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust and Gokhale Landmarks LLP.
The Jain community had protested against the sale of the property, which houses a Jain temple and hostel, describing it as an attempt to grab sacred land.
The Commissioner revoked the sanction under Section 36(2) of the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, directing the refund of the sale amount and cancellation of the sale deed and power of attorney.
Developer Vishal Gokhale stated he withdrew from the project respecting the Jain community's sentiments, and the Trust positively responded, agreeing to return the money.
Some political leaders, like Ravindra Dhangekar, while acknowledging the cancellation, are demanding a high-level probe into the alleged irregularities and the Charity Commissioner's authority.
- Who
- Charity Commissioner of Maharashtra, Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust, Gokhale Landmarks LLP, Jain community, Akshay Jain (Maharashtra Youth Congress), Ravindra Dhangekar (Shiv Sena), Raju Shetti (Farmer Leader), Murlidhar Mohol (Union Minister)
- What
- Cancellation of a Rs 230 crore property sale deed between Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust and Gokhale Landmarks LLP.
- When
- The order was passed on Thursday. The original sanction was April 4, 2024, and the sale deed/POA was executed on October 8, 2025.
- Where
- Pune
- Why
- A joint decision by the Trust and developer to withdraw from the project, respecting the sentiments of the Jain community, following controversy and protests from the community. The Charity Commissioner revoked the sanction citing transparency and justice for charitable institutions.
Charity Commissioner's Order & Developer's Compliance
Skepticism & Demand for Probe
Authority and Process
Charity Commissioner's Order & Developer's Compliance
The Charity Commissioner has the authority under Section 36(2) of the MPT Act to revoke the sanction, and the cancellation was a consensual decision to uphold transparency and community harmony. The developer voluntarily withdrew respecting sentiments.
Skepticism & Demand for Probe
Concerns are raised about the Charity Commissioner's precise authority to cancel such a deed, with demands for a high-level probe to investigate all participants, including political figures and the Commissioner, for alleged irregularities and conspiracy.
Nature of the Deal
Charity Commissioner's Order & Developer's Compliance
The cancellation is framed as a victory for the Jain community and a move towards transparency and justice for charitable institutions. The focus is on rectifying the situation and reopening the hostel.
Skepticism & Demand for Probe
The transaction is characterized as a 'Jain Boarding land scam' and an attempt to 'grab sacred land,' implying deliberate fraud. Allegations suggest specific political figures were partners in the construction company and that norms were violated.
- Charity Commissioner
- Amogh S. Kaloti
- Trust Name
- Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust
- Developer
- Gokhale Landmarks LLP
- Original Sanction Date
- April 4, 2024
- Sale Deed/POA Execution Date
- October 8, 2025
- Sale Consideration
- Rs 230 crore
- Property Location
- Model Colony, Pune
