Vidhi Codex

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991

General19919 sections

This law prohibits the conversion of any place of worship in India, ensuring that the religious character of these sites remains exactly as it was on August 15, 1947. It applies to all major religious sites like temples, mosques, and churches, effectively freezing their status to prevent future disputes or changes. The Act also bars courts from hearing cases regarding the religious status of these places established before 1947, except for the specific case of the Ram Janma Bhumi-Babri Masjid. Violating these rules can lead to imprisonment for up to three years.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 1. Short title, extent and commencement
  2. 2. Definitions
  3. 3. Bar of conversion of places of worship
  4. 4. Declaration as to the religious character of certain places of worship and bar of jurisdiction of courts, etc.
  5. 5. Act not to apply to Ram Janma Bhumi-Babri Masjid
  6. 6. Punishment for contravention of section 3
  7. 7. Act to override other enactments
  8. 8. Amendment of Act 43 of 1951
  9. 0. Preamble

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