Status-quo Order Extended to Oct 30 in H.N.D. Jain Boarding Property Dispute

For the H.N.D. Jain Boarding Trust land deal in Pune, the Charity Commissioner’s status-quo directive has been extended until 30 October 2025.

Pune,October 29, 2025 – The ongoing dispute surrounding the Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust (H.N.D. Jain Boarding) in Pune has taken a fresh turn, as the Charity Commissioner of Maharashtra has extended the status quo order on the property till October 30, 2025. This means that no sale, transfer, construction, or structural change can take place on the land until further notice.

The property in question, located in Pune’s Model Colony, has long been used for charitable purposes, including a hostel for students and a temple within its premises. However, a controversial land transaction between the Trust and a real estate developer sparked outrage among former students, members of the Jain community, and concerned citizens. They argued that the sale went against the founding charitable objectives of the Trust and risked erasing its educational and religious legacy.

The original status quo order was issued on October 20 by Charity Commissioner Amogh Kaloti, who also directed a preliminary inquiry into the nature of the property, the temple structure, and the Trust’s proposed dealings with the developer. The order explicitly forbade any form of development or alteration of the property until all related documents and replies are submitted.

Petitioners in the case, represented by advocate Yogesh Pandey, have been pursuing the matter since May 2025. Initially, ten former students of the boarding house filed the petition, but over time, the case gathered strong community backing. The petitioners claim that the deal represents a clear violation of the Trust’s purpose and that the property, meant for public and religious benefit, should not be commercialised.

The respondents in the case include representatives of the Trust and the private real estate company involved in the proposed transaction. Legal counsels representing both sides did not object to the extension of the status quo order. They were, however, directed to file detailed written responses before the next hearing, which has been scheduled for the end of October.

The extension of the order has been widely welcomed by members of the Jain community, who have been vocal about preserving the historic and religious character of the property. Many fear that commercial redevelopment of the land would not only destroy the temple’s sanctity but also erase an institution that supported students for decades.

Observers believe that this decision reinforces the accountability of charitable trusts across Maharashtra, especially in matters involving land transactions. The Charity Commissioner’s intervention highlights that religious or educational trust properties cannot be transferred or redeveloped without strict compliance with trust laws and public interest considerations.

For now, the extended order provides a temporary safeguard, ensuring that the land remains untouched until the inquiry concludes. The coming hearing at the end of October will likely determine whether the property remains under charitable control or if the sale proceeds, depending on the findings of the Commission’s investigation.

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