Radha Soami sect seeks nod to sell donated land

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 14

The state government’s proposal to allow the Radha Soami Satsang, Beas, to sell land donated to it by its followers could open up a Pandora’s box as this will be in violation of the permission granted to them in relaxation of the Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1972.

The Radha Soami Satsang, Beas, in Himachal has sought permission from the state government to allow it to sell excess land donated to it by its followers. The plea taken by them is that the land is scattered as small holdings. A similar plea had been made by them even during the previous Congress regime which never came through.

The ball has again been set rolling to seek permission from the Revenue Department for selling the land held by the sect. The matter is likely to be placed before the Cabinet which is under tremendous pressure from various quarters to allow the sect to sell the land, which is at various locations. The move to allow the sect to sell donated land is bound to come in for sharp criticism as similar exemption will be sought by other religious sects as well.

“While allowing these institutions to hold excess land, there was a clear provision which said they could not sell, mortgage or dispose of such land held over and above the limit,” revealed officials. As such, allowing them to sell land would be illegal. Moreover, if the Radha Soami Satsang is allowed to sell land, it will not have to seek permission under Section 118 of the Land Reform and Tenancy Act as it already enjoys the status of agriculturist.

Even though all religious and charitable institutions in Himachal are exempted under the Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1972 to retain more than 150 bighas of land it is only Radha Soami sect which has been accorded the status of agriculturists. Though some other religious sects like the Sant Nirankari Mission too had sought agriculturist status but the Revenue Department did not accede to their request.

The benefits that accrue by virtue of being an agriculturist are many, which is why all religious sects would want that the government grant them the status of an agriculturist. The biggest advantage that will emanate is that they will be able to purchase any amount of land without having to seek exemption under Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reform Act.

The government, in relaxation of the Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1972, had in August 2012 brought in a legislation, allowing religious and charitable institutions to own more than 150 bighas. Many sects possess excess land which has either been purchased or donated by people at various places in Kangra and Shimla.