Maharashtra orders audit of church, missionary land amid rising concerns over Christian rights

The Maharashtra government has ordered a three-month state-wide audit of land owned by churches, Christian missionary organisations and related institutions, amid mounting concerns over alleged irregularities in ownership and transfer of such properties. The exercise will cover land dating back to the British era as well as post-Independence acquisitions, with officials tasked with identifying illegal encroachments, disputed titles and violations in land use.

Announcing the move in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the audit would focus on properties held by Christian missionary bodies across the state as part of broader land management reforms. He stressed that institutions with clear and lawful titles had nothing to fear, but added that any violations detected during the review would be examined to determine whether the land had been acquired or transferred in line with existing laws. If suspicious or illegal transfers are found, the government will move to reclaim such land, he said.

The audit will be conducted by a high-powered committee headed by the respective divisional commissioner, with senior officials from the Settlement Commissioner’s office, police and the Inspector General of Registration on board. In cases where disputed land has already been developed or allocated for public use, the state will consult the legal department before taking a final decision. Bawankule’s announcement came in response to legislators flagging alleged irregular transfers and ownership disputes involving missionary properties.

The minister also declared that only recognised farmers would be allowed to buy agricultural land in Maharashtra. Prospective buyers will have to prove their status as agriculturists through documents such as revenue records and the 7/12 extract, a key land record in Maharashtra and Gujarat that details ownership, land characteristics, agricultural use and financial liabilities. “From now on, anyone purchasing agricultural land must prove that they are an agriculturist. We have also implemented a strict mapping system across the state through the Commissioner of Land Records,” he said.

The announcement comes against a backdrop of growing anxiety in Christian communities over rising intimidation and disruptions at prayer meetings in the state. Last week, a delegation representing at least 25 Christian organisations under the banner of Mumbai for Peace met the Mumbai Police Commissioner seeking protection from what they described as persistent harassment by Hindu right-wing groups. The delegation alleged that these groups had entered prayer venues, disrupted gatherings and spread misinformation about Christians.

International bodies have also flagged concerns. In February, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom urged the US government to press Indian authorities to hold accountable those responsible for targeted violence, citing attacks by Hindu nationalist groups. The commission further recommended that India be designated a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom.

Despite opposition from Christian groups, Maharashtra in March approved the contentious Freedom of Religion Bill, commonly described as an anti-conversion law. The combination of the new law, rising reports of harassment and the latest land audit order has intensified fears among Christian communities about increasing scrutiny and pressure on their institutions and activities.