Jain Spiritual Leaders Express Frustration Over Delayed Court Proceedings
Prominent Jain religious leaders have issued an urgent demand for the civil court to deliver a decision within two days regarding the controversial Seth Hirachand Nemchand Digambar Jain Boarding and Temple property case. The situation has escalated as Acharya Guptinandi Maharaj revealed that despite the Charity Commissioner of Maharashtra approving the cancellation of the property sale deed between Seth Hirachand Nemchand Samarak Trust and Gokhale Landmarks LLP on October 30, the legal process continues to move at an unsatisfactory pace.
Legal Timeline and Growing Tensions
According to Acharya Guptinandi Maharaj, a formal petition was submitted to the civil court approximately ten days ago following the Charity Commissioner's landmark decision. The October 30 order by Maharashtra Charity Commissioner Amogh S Kaloti explicitly revoked the sale agreement after both the trust and Gokhale Construction mutually agreed to withdraw from the deal. The commissioner's directive required both parties to take appropriate measures for cancelling the sale deed and power of attorney dated October 8, 2025, emphasizing that such steps should be taken at the earliest possible opportunity.
The spiritual leader expressed significant concern about the delayed implementation, stating, "The Charity Commissioner said the cancellation should be done as early as possible. But it has been delayed by 10 days now. This is a disrespect to the court, to the Maharashtra government, and the Charity Commissioner's order."
Potential Protest and Community Anxiety
The Jain community leaders have made it clear that they will not tolerate further delays. Acharya Guptinandi Maharaj issued a stern warning that if no decision emerges by Wednesday, the Jain munis will initiate protest actions. The spiritual leader specifically mentioned that their senior guru has committed to protesting in front of the Chief Minister's residence if the deal cancellation doesn't proceed promptly.
Legal representative Advocate Yogesh Pande, who is representing petitioner Sukaushal Jinturkar, provided crucial context about the procedural requirements. He explained that following the Charity Commissioner's order, the parties must file an application before the civil court to obtain a decree of cancellation. "They filed the application last evening," Pande confirmed, while acknowledging the community's growing anxiety about the seemingly slow progress.
The original sale of HND Jain Boarding and Hostel by trustees to Gokhale Construction had sparked substantial controversy in Pune, drawing political figures into the fray. Pune MP Muralidhar Mohol faced criticism for his connections to the construction firm, though he maintained that he had severed ties with the company eleven months prior. The controversy attracted attention from Opposition Congress leader Akshay Jain and ally Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Dhangekar, who both launched attacks on Mohol regarding the property transaction.
With only four to five days remaining in the initially anticipated 15-day resolution timeline, the Jain community watches with increasing concern as the legal process unfolds, hoping for a swift resolution that honors the Charity Commissioner's decision and preserves their religious and community interests.
