Pune: The Charity Commissioner’s Office has formally accepted a petition challenging the term extension of the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, Pune, executive committee, raising questions over its legal validity. The petition, filed by Vijay Shendge, argues that the executive committee extended its term without conducting elections.

Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad's current executive body attempted to dismiss the petition, stating that Shendge’s membership had been revoked and that he lacked the legal standing to file the petition. However, the Charity Commissioner’s Office rejected this argument, allowing the case to move forward.

Background of the Dispute

The Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad executive committee’s official term ended in 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an extension was granted at the annual general meeting. However, elections were not conducted even after restrictions were lifted, leading Shendge to file a petition in 2023 challenging the continued extension.

In the intervening period, the executive committee revoked Shendge’s lifetime membership, arguing that his petition should be deemed invalid. Despite this, the Charity Commissioner’s Office ruled in favor of admitting the petition, marking a significant development in the case.

Next Steps: Legal Scrutiny of Term Extension

According to Dhananjay Kulkarni, President of the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad Sanrakshak Kruti Samiti, the petition will now be subject to a legal review, where the validity of the term extension will be determined through hearings.

Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad’s legal advisor, Adv. Yashwant Pawar, stated "The Charity Deputy Commissioner has not declared any of Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad’s actions unconstitutional. A decision will be made based on evidence, and we trust the legal process. The next hearing is scheduled for March 24, and we are confident of a verdict in Masap’s favor."

Meanwhile, petitioner Vijay Shendge reaffirmed his stance, saying: "This fight is for the betterment of the institution. We believe in justice, and ultimately, truth will prevail over mob rule."

With the petition now under legal scrutiny, the outcome of the hearings will determine the legitimacy of the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad executive committee’s extended tenure.