MUMBAI, India — The government of Maharashtra, India’s wealthiest and most populous state, ordered a sweeping, time-bound audit of all land parcels owned by churches and Christian missionary organizations, a move that has alarmed Christian communities already facing rising hostility from Hindu-nationalist groups.
Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the audit in the State Legislative Assembly, citing an alleged 3 billion Indian rupees ($31 million) land fraud by a Christian organization discovered in the state’s Nashik region. High-powered committees will examine all land records of Christian organizations and churches — including properties allocated for charitable purposes such as schools and hospitals — and submit an audit report to the government within three months.
The probe will review land records, leases, and ownership transfers dating back to the British era to detect illegal encroachments or disputed titles. The Maharashtra government stated that “organizations with legally valid titles will not be penalized,” but any encroachments or violations found will trigger government action. Where disputed lands have already been developed or allocated for public infrastructure, “the state plans to consult its legal department to determine the next steps.”
Christian leaders in Maharashtra have linked the audit to a broader pattern of state pressure on religious minorities. The order follows Maharashtra’s approval of a contentious Freedom of Religion Bill — an anti-conversion law — in March, and comes amid what the U.S.-based International Christian Concern described as disruptions at prayer meetings by right-wing groups, hate speeches, and continuous harassment. Christian delegations under the banner of groups like Mumbai for Peace recently engaged with the Mumbai police commissioner seeking protection from what they called misinformation campaigns targeting their communities.
Revenue authorities have already targeted unauthorized church buildings and properties in the Dhule and Nandurbar belts of Maharashtra for demolition, according to International Christian Concern. Christian leaders fear the audit could provide legal cover for expanding demolitions across the state. Leaders in other states governed by the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party are now concerned that similar audit orders could be replicated in their jurisdictions.
The high-powered committees are expected to deliver their findings within three months of the order, placing the deadline in early October.