Land Use Violations Uncovered at Suresh Wadkar’s Aajivasan Gurukul Sankul in Juhu

An official investigation has revealed unauthorized commercial use and land misuse at Suresh Wadkar’s Aajivasan Gurukul Sankul in Juhu, Mumbai. The Trust may face penalties or land reclamation.

Mumbai, April 11, 2025 — The Mumbai Suburban District Collector’s office has completed an in-depth investigation into the operations of Suresh Wadkar’s Aajivasan Gurukul Sankul, located on the upscale Juhu Tara Road. The report reveals several significant violations of land use terms originally set by the government when the property was allotted for artistic and educational purposes.

The Gurukul, established by Wadkar’s Acharya GR Vasant Sangeet Niketan Trust, spans two adjoining plots covering a total of approximately 16,330 square feet. These plots were granted in 1986 and 2003 specifically for promoting and preserving Indian classical music. However, investigators found that the institution has allegedly strayed far from this cultural mandate.

Key Findings: Unauthorized Use and Commercial Activities

The most critical discovery is that the Gurukul has hosted an international school on its premises since 2006 without obtaining mandatory government approvals. Additionally, the property has been used for unauthorized residential purposes and rented out for private events such as weddings—activities that exceed the 15% commercial use cap set by the land-use agreement.

Timeline of Land Allocation and Violations

• 1986: Plot No. 3 (8,260 sq. ft.) allocated after a personal appeal by Suresh Wadkar to then-Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.
• 2003: Plot No. 4 (8,070 sq. ft.) granted for expansion.
• Structures on both plots were legally built, but the current usage violates the original terms.

Legal Action and Activist Involvement

Social activist Sanjay Sharma filed a petition in the Bombay High Court in 2022, alleging that the Gurukul had morphed into a profit-oriented institution, contrary to its stated purpose. Following the court’s directive, the Collector’s office initiated a formal probe and submitted its findings in July 2023.

In a final ruling dated March 25, Deputy District Collector Satish Bagal confirmed multiple violations, including unauthorized constructions, excessive commercial activities, and deviation from the cultural objectives.

Government Response and Possible Penalties

The Collector’s office has recommended that the Maharashtra state government consider actions such as heavy fines, revised land-use agreements, or even repossession of the land. This case has stirred debate over the accountability of charitable trusts and the use of government-allocated land, with broader implications for cultural and nonprofit institutions statewide.

The final verdict now rests with the state authorities, who must weigh the Trust’s cultural contributions against the reported violations before deciding on a course of action.

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