Bombay High Court Orders Charity Commissioner To Resolve CNI Church Trust Dispute Within 6 Months, Emphasises Protection Of Heritage Properties

Bombay High Court has directed the Charity Commissioner to resolve over 90 pending change reports of trustees for the Bombay Diocesan Trust Association (BDTA) within six months. The court emphasized that church properties, including heritage sites like the Afghan Church and Christ Church, should be preserved and not used for commercial gain. The BDTA, which oversees these landmarks, is currently claimed by multiple groups, but none are officially recognized without the Charity Commissioner’s approval.

Change reports, which seek to recognize new trustees, have been pending for some time. The court noted that previous decisions by the Charity Commissioner, such as appointing administrators based on claims of expired trust tenure or alleged illegalities, were not appropriate. The order comes in response to a petition by a BDTA group, which argued that court orders to resolve the change reports had not been followed.

The court stressed that the trust’s properties are part of a legacy and heritage, not to be misused for narrow interests. It urged trustees and members to focus on preservation rather than disputes over management. The ruling highlights the importance of maintaining church institutions and holy sites, ensuring they remain protected for future generations.

Advocate Cyril Dara, representing the Christian Reform United People Association, welcomed the court’s emphasis on safeguarding church properties. He expressed hope that the court’s guidance would be implemented to protect and preserve these institutions. The court also warned that unless absolutely necessary, the trust should not consider disposing of its immovable properties.

Source: Read the original report