Community signs MoU for trust land owned by Def Min

Members of Anglican Church filed a complaint with charity commissioner’s (CC) office after a member claiming to represent the body that looks after Church properties entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and put out a public notice about it. 

The Bombay Diocesan Trust Association (BDTA) looks after prominent properties including Afghan Church and St Thomas Cathedral. The MOU entered was for a 38,394 sq ft plot in Fort that has its registered office of BDTA in a heritage building given by defence on lease. Ashok Dayanand Sonule, community member calling himself to be managing director and authorised signatory of BDTA Ltd signed the MOU. “The BDTA is only the custodian of properties,” said Sandeep Gaikwad, member of the community who filed complaint with Pradeep Shirsath, another member.

“Since there is an administrator, the CC should act,” he added. The CC’s office refused to comment on the matter stating that the administrator’s appointment is challenged by warring trustees, including P Amolik and James Baker, who have “filed objections” with Sonule’s lawyer. “Prima facie it looks that it is illegal and necessary action will be taken to protect the interest of Government of India in the defence leased land,” said Prasad Chavan, defence estate officer.  Sachin Bandkar, advocate for Sonule said he would forward DNA’s questions to Sonule. DNA has not received a reply.