A leadership dispute within the trust that manages Deekshabhoomi, one of India's most significant Buddhist and Ambedkarite landmarks, has escalated to the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. The trust's president, Bhante Arya Nagarjuna Surai Sasai, has challenged proceedings initiated before the charity commissioner's office.
Court Directives
Justice Nandesh Deshpande has directed the respondents to file their replies by June 10. The petition challenges proceedings under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act and raises objections over the interpretation of administrative powers within the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial Committee Trust, which oversees Deekshabhoomi and its associated educational, social, and religious activities.
Core Dispute
According to the petition, the dispute centers on the authority to convene meetings, exercise executive powers, and manage the trust's day-to-day functioning. It argues that under the trust constitution, executive authority rests exclusively with the president or chairman. The plea further alleges that an incorrect interpretation of the secretary's powers has created administrative confusion and interference.
Deekshabhoomi, where Dr B. R. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism along with thousands of followers in 1956, is a globally recognized center for Buddhist learning and social reform. The petition states that the ongoing internal conflict is adversely affecting the administration and functioning of these institutions.
Legal Proceedings
The court was informed that the matter is pending before the charity commissioner's authority. A separate application seeking clarification was filed after a February 20 order by the deputy charity commissioner. The authority rejected objections raised in that application and decided to proceed on merits. The High Court has directed the competent authority to proceed further in accordance with law.
Lawyers argued that the dispute involves interpretation of the trust's governance structure and administrative control over one of Maharashtra's most prominent socio-religious institutions.
