Haryana finally enacts law to take over management of Gurgaon’s Aparna Institution for 10 years

In September, the Civil Judge (Senior division)-cum-presiding officer Ramesh Chander ordered the “cancellation” of the contentious land sale worth over Rs 55 crore involving a sprawling 192-kanal land parcel in Gurgaon. The decision came after a multi-party settlement between real estate forms and Dhirendra Brahmachari-founded Aparna Ashram Society in July, following years of civil and criminal litigation.

On March 28, during the Budget session, the Haryana government introduced and passed the Aparna Institution (Taking Over of Management and Control) Bill, 2025, amid the Opposition’s protests and Congress legislators raising concerns about its legal validity and jurisdiction.

Despite these objections, the Bill was approved through a voice vote, and the Congress MLAs staged a walkout in protest. The land’s 2020 sale had also sparked legal battles after disputes arose over governance, authorisation, and criminal charges against ‘key members’ of the Society.

The Bill was sent to the President’s assent, which was given in August, following which the state government issued a notification enacting this Act on November 20. The following are some of the salient features of the Act.

Government assumes management, governing council dissolved

Under Section 3 of the Act, the state government now holds complete management, control, and possession of the institution’s property. This includes approximately 24 acres and 16 marlas of land and all buildings and associated rights.

The legislation explicitly removes from power all individuals and bodies managing the institution prior to the takeover. Any authority or governing council previously responsible for the institution is deemed dissolved, and its members are barred from exercising any control over the institution.

The Act further prohibits these individuals from appointing new managers or passing resolutions relating to the institution during the takeover period.

Additionally, any move toward dissolution, merger, or the appointment of a receiver for the institution now requires the state government’s written consent.

Appointment of administrator and new committee

The law authorises the state government to appoint an administrator vested with all powers of the former governing council. The administrator, who must meet qualifications prescribed through future rules, will act directly under government instructions and may appoint additional personnel to manage the institution.

To assist the administrator, the state government will also constitute a committee of qualified members to ensure oversight, smooth operation, and adherence to the institution’s objectives.

The administrator has wide-ranging powers, including the authority to institute or defend legal proceedings, manage finances, and oversee all institutional affairs. Both the administrator and appointed staff will receive remuneration as decided by the government.

Financial support and oversight

The Act enables the government to provide grants or advances to the institution as needed, allowing operations and developmental projects to continue without interruption.

Furthermore, the law requires all individuals who possessed the institution’s property, documents, or assets as of the appointed day to hand them over to the government-appointed authorities immediately. This includes minute books, financial documents, cheque books, correspondence, inventories, and agreements.

The former managers must also submit a complete inventory of assets and liabilities within seven days, unless granted an extension.

Focus on yoga, public welfare, and anti-drug programmes

Showing the government’s intentions not only to stabilise the institution but also to expand its scope as a centre for yoga, wellness and social upliftment, one of the most detailed sections of the Act outlines the aims and objectives that the administrator must uphold.

These include promoting yoga through education, research, and public outreach; conducting courses and training in yoga and natural health practices; educating the public on avoiding harmful drugs, including LSD and other substances; supporting mental well-being, stress reduction, and spiritual values; creating facilities such as ashrams, training centres, guest houses, and health resorts; publishing literature, organising conferences, and offering scholarships or grants; establishing branches and collaborating with similar institutions; managing agricultural, dairy, gardening, and plantation activities; and acquiring and developing property to advance the institution’s mission.

Penalties for withholding property or non-compliance

The Act imposes stringent penalties on individuals who refuse to hand over assets or documents, or who wrongfully retain or destroy property belonging to the institution. Offences are punishable by up to five years of imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 50,000, or both.

Companies found guilty of offences under the Act may also face prosecution, and responsible officers can be held personally liable if negligence or connivance is proven.

Protection for government actions and rule-making powers

Government officials, the administrator, and authorised personnel are granted protection from legal action for decisions made in good faith under the Act. The legislation also supersedes any conflicting laws or agreements.

The state government has been granted authority to frame rules for implementing the Act and to issue orders to resolve operational difficulties for up to two years from commencement.