Maharashtra Makes Big Changes To Public Trusts Law

Clearer rules for trustees, tougher punishments for misuse, and faster dispute resolution

The Maharashtra government has made four important amendments and added two new sections to the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950. These changes aim to stop fraud, make trustees more accountable, and speed up trust-related cases.

What Changed?

Who is a Trustee (Section 2(18))
- Old Law Example: Anyone could claim to be a trustee, even without official proof, leading to disputes over temple or trust properties.
- New Law Example: Now, trustees must be clearly mentioned in trust documents filed at registration. No outsider can falsely claim property rights.
Punishment for Misuse (Section 66A)
- Old Law Example: A trustee who stole trust money could get only “simple imprisonment,” which was less strict.
- New Law Example: Now, courts can give rigorous imprisonment with hard labor, making the punishment stronger.
Bigger Penalties (Section 66B)
- Old Law Example: A trustee illegally leasing trust land faced a maximum penalty of 3 months jail or ₹25,000 fine. For large scams, this was too little.
- New Law Example: The penalty is now up to 1 year jail or ₹2 lakh fine, or both.
Time Limit for Appeals (Section 70A)
- Old Law Example: If a society wanted to challenge an order, it could delay for years, dragging the case.
- New Law Example: Now, a fixed deadline (like 60–90 days) is set for filing revisions. Cases will move faster.
Removal of Confusion (Section 50(b))
- Old Law Example: Conflicting rules allowed multiple ways to file property recovery suits, creating delays in courts.
- New Law Example: The conflicting rule is removed, giving a single, clear legal path.