Public Charitable Trusts are governed by Law
Public Charitable Trusts are governed by Law Adv. Aditya Pratap
Management of Affairs of Charitable Trusts in Maharashtra
Charitable Trusts in Maharashtra are formed under the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 for a wide range of public purposes. These include running a school, hospital or a even a club, apart from many other functions. A charitable trust constituted under law must utilize its funds and resources soleley for the purpose for which it was constituted. To achieve this, it is governed by a board of trustees whose role is to ensure proper functioning and management of the trust.
Section 9 of the Act confers and inclusive definition upon 'charitable purpose'. A 'charitable purpose' includes relief of poverty, education, medical relief, providing facilities for leisure and recreation and other purposes of public utility. An important exception under Section 9 is the exclusion of religious teachings or worship from the scope of charitable purposes.
Enter the Charity Commissioner:
The office of the Charity Commissioner has been established under Section 3 of the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 (now referred to as the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act). He is vested with the authority of administering the affairs and regulation of charitable trusts. All issues pertaining to sale and purchase of trust property, change in management of the trust or submission of accounts - all fall within the jurisdiction of the Charity Commissioner. If there are any disputes arising within the trust, they too will be heard and decided by the Charity Commissioner.