Charity Commissioner Orders “Status Quo” in Pune’s HND Jain Boarding Case; Temporary Stay on Property Transactions, Probe Ordered Into Temple Affairs

Pune/Mumbai, 20th October 2025: In a significant development in the ongoing dispute over the sale of HND Jain Boarding property in Model Colony, Maharashtra Charity Commissioner Amogh Kaloti on Monday ordered a “Status Quo” on all transactions related to the institution’s land and directed a detailed inquiry into the temple situated on the premises.

The urgent hearing was held before Charity Commissioner Kaloti following a petition seeking to protect the institution’s original charitable purpose. The petition, filed by Advocate Sukoushal Jinturkar and argued by Advocate Yogesh Pande, requested the court to maintain the current situation until further investigation.

Advocate Pande argued that HND Jain Boarding was established to provide accommodation and education to students and that any redevelopment or sale of its land would go against its founding principles and violate the Charity Act. He further alleged that crucial information was concealed from the Charity Office while seeking permission for the transaction.

“The boarding was founded for the benefit of students. Any redevelopment or sale contradicts the original charitable intent and breaches charity law. Given the lack of transparency, it is essential to maintain the current situation and safeguard the rights of students,” Pande stated during the hearing.

After hearing the arguments, Charity Commissioner Kaloti issued the following directions:

No sale, construction, transfer, or any other transaction related to the institution’s property shall be carried out until further orders.
The present condition of the property (Status Quo) must be maintained.
The charitable nature of the institution must be respected, and necessary measures should be taken to preserve the property.
A detailed inquiry should be conducted into the temple located on the premises, addressing key questions such as:
Does a temple actually exist at the site?
Which deity is worshipped there?
Who manages the temple’s rituals and maintenance?
What is the total area occupied by the temple?
Will the proposed redevelopment affect the temple in any way?

The Charity Commissioner has instructed that a comprehensive report on these matters be submitted to his office. The next date of hearing is on 28th October.

Reacting to the order, community member Laxmikant Khabia said,“This order marks the first legal victory in our fight. The movement we began for religion and students’ welfare has reached a decisive stage.”

Pune: जैन बोर्डिंग जागा विक्रीव्यवहार प्रकरणाला जैसे थे ठेवण्याचे आदेश

Another member, Akshay Jain, added,
“With the Charity Commissioner ordering an inquiry into the temple and the charitable purpose, the truth will now come out before society. This is not just about property — it’s about preserving education, faith, and values.”

The hearing was attended by Laxmikant Khabia, Akshay Jain, and several members of the Jain community.

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