Pune: Trust Agrees To Cancel Controversial Model Colony Land Deal Following Developer’s Withdrawal, Status Quo Till Oct 31
Pune: Trust Agrees To Cancel Controversial Model Colony Land Deal Following Developer’s Withdrawal, Status Quo Till Oct 31
Pune, October 29, 2025: The Seth Hirachand Nemchand Digambar Jain Boarding Trust has decided to cancel its contentious land deal with Gokhale Landmarks LLP, following the developer’s withdrawal from the agreement concerning the 3.5-acre property in Model Colony.
In an application submitted to Charity Commissioner Amogh Kaloti through advocate Ishan Kolhatkar, the trustees stated that a board meeting was held on October 27—one day after receiving an email from developer Vishal Gokhale requesting a deed of cancellation. The trustees unanimously agreed to terminate the agreement, citing the need to preserve community harmony, transparency, and the trust’s long-standing reputation.
Trustee representative Giriraj Sharan Agrawal said the decision was made on “moral, social, and practical grounds.” The trustees reiterated that retaining the existing temple and prayer hall on the premises was a key condition of the original deal and had been clearly communicated to the developer from the start.
The charity commissioner extended the earlier status quo on the property until October 30 after both parties sought additional time to file their responses. A report submitted by the joint charity commissioner confirmed the presence of a 1,452-square-foot temple-cum-prayer hall within the premises, operated by hostel students under the trust.
Meanwhile, members of the Jain community, led by Acharya Guptinand Maharaj, have continued their peaceful protest demanding the formal cancellation of the deal. Community members are observing a fast, urging authorities to uphold the sanctity of the temple and protect trust assets from commercial misuse.
