The Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1988
The Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1988
This Act regulates the administration, assets, and governance of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. It applies to the governing board, led by the Lieutenant Governor, shrine employees, historic custodians, and visiting pilgrims. Under this law, management transferred from private interests to a dedicated statutory board. This transition matters because it secures the shrine's vast funds to improve pilgrim safety, medical services, lodging, and local infrastructure. By legally extinguishing hereditary rights in exchange for compensation, the Act ensures that spiritual offerings are transparently utilized to support the holy site and public welfare.
- 1. Short title and commencement.
- 2. Act to over-ride other laws.
- 3. Definitions.
- 4. Vesting of Shrine Fund.
- 5. The Board.
- 6. Incorporation.
- 7. Term of office of the members.
- 8. Disqualifications for member-ship of Board.
- 9. Dissolution and supper-session of the Board.
- 10. Filling of vacancies.
- 11. Resignation.
- 12. Removal of a member.
- 13. Office and meetings of the Board.
- 14. Appointment of officers and servants of the Board.
- 15. Officers and servants of the Board to be public servants.
- 16. Liability of members.
- 17. Alienation of moveable and immovable property.
- 18. Duties of the Board.
- 19. Rights of Baridars and other persons.
- 20. Bar to suits or proceedings.
- 21. Grant to religious institutions.
- 22. Audit and Annual Report.
- 23. Arbitration.
- 24. Powers to make bye-laws.
- 25. Repeal.
PDF: pending for this language.