Pune: Mahavir Temple Existence Confirmed At HND Jain Boarding; Status Quo Order Stays
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 28th October 2025: The Joint Commissioner of the Pune Division has submitted a detailed report to the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner confirming the presence of a temple dedicated to Lord Digambar Jain Mahavir within the premises of the Seth Hirachand Nemchand Memorial Trust in Model Colony.
The report notes that the temple, built on a 1,452-square-foot area, continues to serve as a place of worship where members of the Jain community visit for darshan.
This finding comes amid the ongoing controversy over the proposed sale of the 3.5-acre (around 12,000-square-metre) property that houses the 65-year-old HND Jain Boarding and the historic Shri 1008 Bhagwan Mahavir Digambar Jain Temple. The property, owned by the Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust (PTR No. E-1634, Mumbai), has been at the centre of an intense dispute between the trust’s management and the Jain community since mid-2025.
The Controversy
Established in 1958, the trust operates the Hirachand Nemchand Digambar Jain Boarding, a hostel that has supported over 250 students from underprivileged backgrounds. In mid-2025, the trustees decided to sell the land to Gokhale builder, a Pune-based real estate developer, for an estimated ₹203–311 crore. The trustees cited structural damage and lack of funds for maintenance as reasons for the sale, while the developer proposed redeveloping the site into a modern complex featuring a new hostel and an upgraded temple.
However, the move triggered widespread outrage among Jain leaders, alumni, and community members who accused the trustees of violating the trust’s original purpose. Critics allege that the trustees concealed the temple’s existence in documents submitted to the Charity Commissioner, describing the land merely as a “dilapidated hostel.” They also questioned the legality of the sale, claiming it breaches the 1958 trust deed and the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act.
Protests and Political Reactions
Since July 2025, protests have intensified across Pune and other parts of Maharashtra. Several rallies, hunger strikes, and marches have been organized by the HND Action Committee and alumni association ASHA, demanding cancellation of the sale. On October 18, thousands of protesters marched from Model Colony to the Pune Collector’s Office, supported by leaders from the Maharashtra Youth Congress.
Following mounting pressure, Maharashtra Charity Commissioner Amogh Kaloti issued a status quo order on October 20, halting all sale and redevelopment activities. The order was extended on October 28 pending further investigation.
Political parties have since weighed in. Former MP Raju Shetti of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana and leaders from the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and Congress accused the ruling BJP of shielding the trustees. Union Minister and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol—allegedly linked to the developer—has denied any involvement, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured Jain leaders that the matter would be resolved lawfully.
Developer Withdraws from Deal
On October 26, Gokhale builder announced the cancellation of its purchase agreement following discussions with representatives from over 86 Jain organizations. Despite this, the community insists the fight will continue until the land is officially restored to the trust and managed by the Jain community itself.
Current Status
As of October 28, the property remains under status quo. Legal proceedings are underway in both the Bombay High Court and the Charity Commissioner’s office. The inquiry into the temple’s management and the trust’s compliance with its founding deed is ongoing.
