In keeping with the ongoing disputes within the community over its properties in Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh), the local Deputy Collector (DC) has passed an order rejecting the proposal to sell the properties, made by the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India (FPZAI), a BPP subsidiary.

This development comes two years after an advertisement was published in a local newspaper about the sale of the properties. The collector observed that the properties, which include two houses spread over 4,000 and 1,800 sq feet, are more than 150 years old and belong to Neemuch Anjuman, a group which oversees the properties of the Parsi community in Neemuch. “To take a decision about the properties, three-fourth of the members of the Neemuch Parsi Anjuman are required to give an approval. Of the 15 members of Neemuch Parsi Anjuman, 11 should give their consent,” the order, which was passed last week by the DC, stated. It further added that only seven members were present for a meeting over the properties on October 16, 2017, of which four members voted in favour of selling of properties. “Which is why according to Section 14 of MP Public Trust Act, 1951, since the application does not follow rules and regulations, we are rejecting the proposal to sell properties at Neemuch,” the order added.

With the Zoroastrian population in Neemuch down to just 15, the BPP and FPZAI wanted to sell the properties, worried about imminent encroachment. As per a statement issued by Yazdi Desai, BPP Chairman, these properties could be sold and used for educational and other needs of the community. He has expressed that the next step would be to move court over the issue.

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Courtesy: HT