Pune: Osho Foundation Faces Setback as Charity Commissioner Blocks Rs 107 Crores Land Deal

Koregaon Park, 11th December 2023: The Osho International Foundation (OIF), responsible for the ‘Osho International Meditation Resort’ in Pune, formerly known as Osho or Rajneesh Ashram, has encountered a setback. The Charity Commissioner’s office in Mumbai rejected OIF’s application to sell two plots in the upscale Koregaon Park area. The proposed sale, valued at 9,800 square meters and intended for Rs 107 crores to industrialist Rahul Bajaj’s family trust, faced strong opposition from a faction of Osho’s disciples.

The application to proceed with the sale encountered resistance from a group of Osho’s followers, who argue that OIF trustees are undermining the spiritual guru’s legacy by treating the ashram as a commercial venture. Ruby Ulhas Malvankar, the Commissioner of Charity, issued an order on December 7 denying permission for the sale transaction.

In the rejection order, Commissioner Malvankar highlighted concerns raised by the opposing group, emphasizing the alleged attempt to compromise Osho’s legacy. The decision reflects the ongoing dispute within the Osho community regarding the direction and purpose of the meditation resort.

Charity Commissioner’s Order:
1. Applicant Trust directed to refund Rs. 50 Crores to offeror Mr. Rajivnayan Rahulkumar Bajaj and Rishab Family Trust.
2. Special Audit of Osho International Foundation (OIF) for 2005-2023 period to be conducted by appointed Special Auditors.
3. Fees for the Special Audit fixed at Rs. 25,000 per year or 1% of OIF’s gross Annual Income, whichever is less.
4. OIF trustees directed to deposit Rs. 2,25,000 provisionally in the P.T.A. Fund within 15 days.
5. Trustees, managers, or any person handling OIF accounts to cooperate with Special Auditors and provide all necessary records.
6. Special Auditors to submit a consolidated report to the Authority within six months from their appointment.