Schedule IV

(See Section 199) Tax on Property : Tax on buildings A Tax on Buildings. Rate per annum Not less than 0.05% but not more than (i) Residential buildings; 0.10% on Capital Value of the Property. (ii)Commercial Buildings ; 3[(a) Small Scale Industry - 0.40 percent (b)Medium Scale Industry - 0.50 percent (c) Large Scale Industries - 0.60 percent] On the capital value of the property (i)Industries, factories, IT Parks, Hardware Park, Textile Park, Bio-Tech Park, Power plants Hydro, Thermal, Solar Plants Wind Mills & Airport including connected area etc. (in the KIADB Industrial area, SEZ and other Industrial area or zones notified by the Government from time to time). B. Vacant land measuring : - (a)Not more than 1000 square meter. (b)More than 1000 sq. mtr. But not more than 4000 sq.mtr. (c)Vacant land measuring above 4000 sq. mtrs. 2[XXX 4[C. (1) Run way area of an Airport (b)In case of vacant Land in Airport or Industrial area where plantations are grown D. Tax on mobile towers. E. Tax on wind mill. F. Tax on solar park. Not less than 0.4% but not more than 1 % on Capital Value of the Property. Not less than 0.05% but not more than 0.1% on Capital Value of the Property. Not less than 0.025% but not more than 0.05% on Capital Value of the Property. XXX] 0.10 percent on the Capital value of the property No tax] Twelve Thousand rupees per tower per Annum. 0.5 to 1 lakh per annum depending upon turbine. Not less than 0.50% but not more than 1.50% on Capital Value of the Property. Explanations:-1.The taxable Capital value of the property means the market value guidelines of the property published under Section 45B of the Karnataka Stamp Act, 1957 – minus depreciation at the time of assessment as may be notified by the Government from time to time. 2. Assessment of the tax as prescribed in the Rules and rates in the schedule on capital value of the building, vacant land or both have to be made with regard to its location, type of the construction of the building, nature of its use, and age of the building and any such other criteria, as may be prescribed. G Fee on Entertainments Fifty rupees per show. H Vehicle Parking Fee In Rupees per day (i) Buses, Lorry, etc (ii) Car and Light Motor Vehicles. (iii) Motor cycle (iv) For every other vehicle with springs. (v) For every cart or other vehicle without springs. (vi) For every bicycle or tricycle 50/- 20/- 10/- 3/- 2/- 1/- I Fee on markets. (i) For every plot measuring not more than one square meters. (ii) For every additional plot of one square meter or part thereof. (iii) Per basket or bag of any commodity. (iv) Per cart load bag of any commodity Five rupees per day Two rupees per day Two rupees per day Five rupees per day J Fee on registration of cattle: For every head of cattle brought for sale in shandies or fairs Five rupee per day. Fee on grazing cattle in the grazing lands. Five rupee per month. Fee on Road cutting charges for laying optical fibers cables. Laying charges Rs. 450/ mtr for 3 ducts For additional ducts Rs. 75/ mtr Supervision charges Rs. 75/ mtr. Refundable security deposit Rs. 119.50/mtr and so on ] 1. Substituted by Act 44 of 2015 w.e.f. 25.02.2016. 2. Omitted by Act 37 of 2017 w.e.f.12.07.2017. 3. Deemed to have been substituted by Act 49 of 2020 w.e.f. 31.03.2020. 4. Deemed to have been inserted by Act 49 of 2020 w.e.f. 31.03.2020. NOTIFICATIONS I Banglore, dated 10.5.1993 [No. RDP 259 ZPS 93] In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993), the Government of Karnataka hereby specify the 10th day of May, 1993 as the date on which all the provisions of the said Act shall come into force in the whole of the State of Karnataka. By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, (K.P.PANDEY) Secretary to the Government, Rural Development & P.Raj Department. II Banglore, dated 20.10.1997 [No. RDP 151 ZPS 97 (p)] In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj (3rd Amendment) Act, 1997 (Karnataka Act 29 of 1997), the Government of Karnataka hereby specify the 20th day of October, 1997 as the date on which all the provisions of the said Act shall come into force in the whole of the State of Karnataka. By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, (PARAVATHY KESHAVACHAR) Under Secretary to Government, Rural Development & P.Raj Department. III UÁæ«ÄÃuÁ©üªÀÈ¢Þ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï gÁeï ̧ÀaªÁ®AiÀÄ C¢ü ̧ÀÆZÀ£É ̧ÀASÉå:UÁæC¥À 204 f¥À ̧À 2003, ̈ÉAUÀ¼ÀÆgÀÄ, ¢£ÁAPÀ:1£É CPÉÆÖçgï 2003 gÁdå ̧ÀPÁðgÀªÀÅ, PÀ£ÁðlPÀ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï gÁeï (wzÀÄÝ¥Àr) C¢ü¤AiÀĪÀÄ 2002 (2003gÀ PÀ£ÁðlPÀ C¢ü¤AiÀĪÀÄ 37)£ÀÄß C¢ü ̧ÀÆZÀ£É ̧ÀASÉå: ̧ÀAªÀå±ÁE 33 ±Á ̧À£À 2002, ¢£ÁAPÀ:3.9.2003£ÀÄß PÀ£ÁðlPÀ «±ÉÃμÀ gÁdå¥ÀvÀæzÀ°è ¢£ÁAPÀ:3.9.2003 gÀAzÀÄ ¥ÀæPÀn ̧À ̄ÁVzÉ. CAvÉAiÉÄÃ, PÀ£ÁðlPÀ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï gÁdå (wzÀÄÝ¥Àr) C¢ü¤AiÀĪÀÄ 2002gÀ ¥ÀæPÀgÀt 1(2)gÀ£ÀéAiÀÄ wzÀÄÝ¥ÀrAiÀÄ J ̄Áè G¥À§AzsÀUÀ¼ÀÄ ¢£ÁAPÀ:1.10.2003gÀAzÀÄ eÁjUÉ §gÀĪÀAvÉ F ªÀÄÆ®PÀ C¢ü ̧ÀÆa ̧À ̄ÁVzÉ. PÀ£ÁðlPÀ gÁdå¥Á®gÀ DeÕÁ£ÀÄ ̧ÁgÀ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ CªÀgÀ ºÉ ̧Àj£À°è, PÉ.J ̧ï.±ÁªÀÄ ̧ÀÄAzÀgÀ ̧ÀPÁðgÀzÀ C¢üãÀ PÁAiÀÄðzÀ²ð, UÁæ«ÄÃuÁ©üªÀÈ¢Þ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ¥ÀA.gÁeï E ̄ÁSÉ. Published in the Karnataka Gazette Part IV-A Extraordinary No.1151 dated 1-10-2003 UÁæ«ÄÃuÁ©üªÀÈ¢Þ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï gÁeï ̧ÀaªÁ®AiÀÄ C¢ü ̧ÀÆZÀ£É ̧ÀASÉå:UÁæC¥À 09 UÁæ¥ÀAC 2016, ̈ÉAUÀ¼ÀÆgÀÄ, ¢£ÁAPÀ:23.02.2016 PÀ£ÁðlPÀ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï gÁeï (JgÀqÀ£Éà wzÀÄÝ¥Àr) C¢ü¤AiÀĪÀÄ 2015 (2015gÀ PÀ£ÁðlPÀ C¢ü¤AiÀĪÀÄ ̧ÀASÉå 44) gÀ 1£Éà ¥ÀæPÀgÀtzÀ (2)£Éà G¥À ¥ÀæPÀgÀtzÀ°è ¥ÀæzÀvÀÛªÁzÀ C¢üPÁgÀªÀ£ÀÄß ZÀ ̄Á¬Ä¹ PÀ£ÁðlPÀ ̧ÀPÁðgÀªÀÅ F ªÀÄÆ®PÀ CzÀj C¢ü¤AiÀĪÀĪÀÅ ¢£ÁAPÀ: 25.02.2016jAzÀ eÁjUÉ §gÀgÀvÀPÀÌzÉÝAzÀÄ UÉÆvÀÄÛ¥Àr ̧ÀÄvÀÛzÉ. PÀ£ÁðlPÀ gÁdå¥Á®gÀ DeÕÁ£ÀÄ ̧ÁgÀ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ CªÀgÀ ºÉ ̧Àj£À°è, qÁ. J£ï. £ÁUÁA©PÁ zÉë ̧ÀPÁðgÀzÀ ¥ÀæzsÁ£À PÁAiÀÄðzÀ²ð, UÁæ«ÄÃuÁ©üªÀÈ¢Þ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ¥ÀA.gÁeï E ̄ÁSÉ. • * * * KARNATAKA ACT NO.23 OF 2014 (First Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the fourteenth day of July, 2014) THE KARNATAKA PANCHAYAT RAJ (SECOND AMENDMENT) ACT, 2014 (Received the assent of the Governor on the twenty-seventh day of June, 2014) An Act further to amend the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993). Where it is expedient further to amend the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act,1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) for the purposes hereinafter appearing: Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the Sixty fourth year of the Republic of India as follows; 1. Short title and commencement.-(1) This Act may called Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Second Amendment) Act, 2013. (2) Section 2 and 3 shall be deemed to have come into force with effect from the 3 rd day of September, 2003 and the remaining sections shall come into force at once. Sections 136A , 175A are incorporated in the Principal Act 4. Validation.- Notwithstanding anything contained in any judgment, decree, order of any Court, Tribunal or Authority no member shall cease to be a member unless action is taken under section 136A and section 175A of the Principal Act as amended by this Act, Which shall be deemed to be valid and effective, as if, the provisions of section 136A and 175A of Principal Act as amended by this Act were in force at all relevant time and accordingly,- (a) no suit or other proceedings shall be maintained or continued in any Court or Tribunal or before any Authority; and (b) no Court shall enforce any decree or order directing the ceasure of membership of any member otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of this Act. The above translation of PÀ£ÁðlPÀ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï gÁeï (JgÀqÀ£Éà wzÀÄÝ¥Àr) C¢ü¤AiÀĪÀÄ, 2013 (2014gÀ PÀ£ÁðlPÀ C¢s¤AiÀĪÀÄ ̧ÀASÉå:23) be published in the Official Gazette under clause (3) of Article 348 of the Constitution of India. VAJUBHAI VALA GOVERNOR OF KARNATAKA. By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, S.B.GUNJIGAVI Secretary to Government, Department of Parliamentary Affairs KARNATAKA ACT NO. 17 OF 2015 (First published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the thirtieth day of April, 2015) THE KARNATAKA PANCHAYATH RAJ (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2015 (Received the assent of the Governor on the twenty ninth day of April, 2015) An Act further to amend the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993. Whereas it is expedient further to amend the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) for the purposes hereinafter appearing: Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in sixty-sixth year of Republic of India as follows:- 1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015 (2) It shall come into force at once. Sections 5, 9, 44, 46, 123, 125, 138, 162, 164 and 177 are incorporated in the Principal Act VAJUBHAI VALA GOVERNOR OF KARNATAKA By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, B.B. Pattar Secretary to Government (i/c), Department of Parliamentary Affairs KARNATAKA ACT NO.44 OF 2015 (First published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the thirty first day of December, 2015) THE KARNATAKA PANCHAYAT RAJ (SECOND AMENDMENT) ACT, 2015 (Received the assent of the Governor on the sixteenth day of December, 2015) An Act further to amend the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993. Whereas it is expedient further to amend the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) for the purposes hereinafter appearing: Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in sixty-sixth year of Republic of India as follows:- 1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Second Amendment) Act, 2015 (2) It shall come into force on such date as the State Government may, by notification in the official Gazette appoint. Sections 2, Chapter IA, 3, 3A, 12, 15 to 23, 22, 24, 24A, 43A, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 52, 53, 57, 58, 58B, 58C, 58D, 58E, 58F, 60A and 60B, 61, 64, 70, 110, chapter IVA, V, 119, 120, 121, 136, 136A ,140 143, 145, Insertion of new sections 145A to 145D, 152, 154, 160, 163, 171, 175, 175A, 178, 179, 182, 184, 191, 193, 195, 199, 199A, 200, 206, 209, chapter XVI, 232A, 232B, 267, 296A, 296B, 296C, 296D, 296E, 296F, 298, 308, 308A, 309, 309A to 309H, 310A, 310A, 310B, chapter XIX, 315, schedule I, II, III and IV are incorporated in the Principal Act VAJUBHAI VALA GOVERNOR OF KARNATAKA. By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, K. DWARAKANATH BABU Secretary to Government (I/C), Department of Parliamentary Affairs KARNATAKA ACT NO. 37 OF 2017 (First published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the twelfth day of July, 2017) THE KARNATAKA GRAM SWARAJ AND PANCHAYAT RAJ (AMENDMENT) ACT, (Received the assent of the Governor on the eleventh day of July, 2017) An Act further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993. Whereas, it is expedient further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) for the purposes hereinafter appearing; Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the sixty-eighth year of the Republic of India, as follows:- 1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2017. (2) It shall come into force at once. 18. Transfer of Pending Cases.- All cases pending pertaining to election disputes of the Zilla Panchayat before the jurisdictional District Judge on the date of commencement of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2017 shall immediately be transferred to the jurisdictional court of Senior Civil Judge. (Sections 2,13,48,64,129,141,157,168,180,199,246,296A,308-AB,310A and new section 308AD and the Schedule IV are incorporated in the principal Act.) KARNATAKA ACT NO. 49 OF 2020 (First Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the 22 nd day of October, 2020) THE KARNATAKA GRAM SWARAJ AND PANCHAYAT RAJ (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2020 (Received the assent of Governor on the 22 nd day of October, 2020) An Act further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993. Whereas, it is expedient further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) for the purposes hereinafter appearing; Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the seventy first year of the Republic of India, as follows:- 1. Short title and commencement.-(1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2020. (2) It shall be deemed to have come into force with effect form 31st day of March, 2020. (Sections 2, 5, 7, 12, 43-A, 44, 46, 48, 49, 58, 64, 111, 123, 128, 136, 138, 140, 141, 160, 162, 167, 175, 177, 179, 180, 196,197, 237, 308AA, 308 AB, 308 AC, 308B, 309D, 310 and Schedule IV are incorporated in the principal Act.) 37. Repeal and savings.- (1) The Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 (Karnataka Ordinance No. 2 of 2020), is hereby repealed. (2) Notwithstanding such repeal anything done or any action taken under the principal Act, as amended by the said Ordinance, shall be deemed to have been done or taken under principal Act, as amended by this Act. The above translation of ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಗ್ರಾ ಮ ಸ್ವ ರಾಜ್ ಮತ್ತು ಪಂಚಾಯತ್ ರಾಜ್ (ತಿದ್ದು ಪಡಿ) ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ, 2020 (2020gÀ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ: 49) be published in the official Gazette under clause (3) of Article 348 of the Constitution of India. VAJUBHAI VALA GOVERNOR OF KARNATAKA By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, (K. DWARAKANATH BABU) Secretary to Government Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation KARNATAKA ACT NO. 25 OF 2021 (First Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the Eighteenth day of September 2021) THE KARNATAKAGRAM SWARAJ AND PANCHAYAT RAJ (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2021 (Received the assent of the Governor on the Eighteenth day of September 2021 ) An Act further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993. Whereas, it is expedient further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) for the purposes hereinafter appearing; Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the seventy second year of the Republic of India, as follows:- 1. Short title and commencement.-(1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2021. (2) It shall come into force at once. 2. Amendment of section 5.- In section 5 of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) (hereinafter referred to as the Principal Act),- (i) in sub-section (1), for the words “State Election Commission” the word “Government” shall be substituted; (ii) in sub-section (2), for the words “State Election Commission” the word “Government” shall be substituted; (iii) in sub-section (3), for the words “State Election Commission” the word “Government” shall be substituted; (iv) in sub-section (4), for the words “State Election Commission” the word “Government” shall be substituted; and (v) in sub-section (5), for the words “State Election Commission” the word “Government” shall be substituted. 3. Amendment of section 121.- In section 121 of the Principal Act, for the words “State Election Commission” the word “Government” shall be substituted. 4. Amendment of section 122.- In section 122 of the Principal Act, for the words “State Election Commission” the word “Government” shall be substituted. 5. Amendment of section 123.- In section 123 of the Principal Act, for the words “State Election Commission” wherever they occur, the word “Government” shall be substituted. 6. Amendment of section 124.- In section 124 of the Principal Act,- (i) for the words “State Election Commission” the word “Government” shall be substituted; and (ii) in clause (c), the words “or constituencies in which seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and Women” shall be omitted. 7. Amendment of section 161.- In section 161 of the Principal Act, for the words “State Election Commission” the words “Government based on the recommendation of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission ” shall be substituted. 8. Amendment of section 162.- In section 162 of the Principal Act, for the words “State Election Commission” wherever they occur, the word “Government” shall be substituted. 9. Amendment of section 163.- In section 163 of the Principal Act,- (i) for the words “State Election Commission” the words “Government on the recommendation of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission” shall be substituted; and (ii) in clause (c), the words “or constituencies in which seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and Women” shall be omitted. 10. Amendment of section 308.- In section 308 of the Principal Act, in sub section (1), the words “delimitation of territorial constituencies and” shall be omitted. 11. Insertion of new sections 308-E to 308-M.- After section 308-D of the Principal Act, the following sections shall be inserted, namely:- “308-E. Constitution of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission.-(1) The State Government shall constitute a Commission called the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission consisting of the following members, namely:- Retired Chief Secretary or Additional Chief Secretary to be appointed by the Government Chairman Retired Secretary to Government or a retired officer equivalent in the rank of Secretary to Government with experience in Rural Development, Decentralization and Panchayat Raj issues to be appointed by the Government . Member One expert in Rural Development and Panchayat Raj sector to be nominated by the Government. Member Commissioner of Panchayat Raj Department. Ex-Officio Member Director, Panchayat Raj, and ex-officio Joint Secretary to Government, dealing with Taluk Panchayat and Zilla Panchayat in Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department. Ex-Officio Member Secretary (2) The headquarters of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission shall be at Bengaluru. 308-F. Functions of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission.- The Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission shall perform the following functions, namely:- (i) to make recommendations for fixing the total number of members to be elected to every Grama Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat and Zilla Panchayat on the basis of population as ascertained at the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published in the Official Gazette; (ii) to make recommendations for dividing the area of every Grama Panchayat or Taluk Panchayat or Zilla Panchayat into as many wards or constituencies as the number of members required to be elected to that Grama Panchayat or Taluk Panchayat or Zilla Panchayat on the basis of the relevant census figures at the last preceding census that have been published; (iii) to make recommendations for determining the boundaries of the Wards or Constituencies of every Grama Panchayat or Taluk Panchayat or Zilla panchayat; (iv) to make recommendations with a view to ensuring that the population of each ward or constituencies in every Grama Panchayat or Taluk Panchayat or Zilla panchayat shall, as far as practicable, be the same throughout that Grama Panchayat or Taluk Panchayat or Zilla Panchayat; (v) to make recommendations to have every territorial wards or constituencies , as far as practicable, be geographically compact area; and (vi) to perform such other functions as the Government may specify from time to time: Provided that, the Commission before making recommendations to the Government shall invite objections and give an opportunity of being heard to the public under this section. 308-G Powers of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission.- (1) The Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission shall determine its own procedure and shall, in the Performance of its functions, have all the powers of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, (Central Act V of 1908) while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:- (i) summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses; (ii) requiring the production of any document; and (iii) requisitioning any public record from any Office. (2) The Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission shall have power to require any person to furnish any information on such points or matters as in the opinion of the Commission may be useful for, or relevant to, any matter under the consideration of the Commission. (3) The Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission may authorize any of its members to exercise any of the powers conferred on it by clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of sub-section (1) and sub-section (2), and any order made or act done in exercise of any of those powers by the member authorized by the Delimitation commission in that behalf shall be deemed order of the Commission or the Act, as the case may be, of the Delimitation Commission. 308-H. Meeting of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission.- The Delimitation Commission shall meet, as often as may be necessary, at such time and place and observe such rules of procedure as may be provided in the Act. 308-I. Employees of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission.- The Government shall appoint or depute such number of employees as may be necessary for the efficient performance of its functions. 308-J. Power to issue Directions.- The Government may issue to the Delimitation Commission such directions as in its opinion are necessary or expedient for carrying out the purposes of this Act and the Delimitation Commission shall give effect to all such directions. 308-K. Proceedings of the Delimitation Commission not to be invalidated by vacancies or absence.- The Delimitation Commission shall have power to act notwithstanding the temporary absence of a member or the existence of a vacancy in the Commission and no act or proceeding of the Delimitation commission shall be invalid or called in question on the ground merely of such temporary absence or of the existence of such vacancy. 308-L. Protection of action of taken in good faith.- No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Government, the Delimitation Commission or any member thereof or any employee or person acting under the direction of the Government or the Delimitation Commission, in respect of anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act or regulations, orders or directions made or issued under this Act. 308-M. Power to remove difficulties.-If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Government may, as occasion requires, by order, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, do anything which appears to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of removing the difficulty.” 12. Transitory Provisions.- On and from the date of commencement of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2021,- (i) All delimitation notifications of constituencies of Taluk Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats, in force, shall stand lapsed; (ii) All notifications reserving the constituencies of Taluk Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats, in force, based on existing delimitation of constituencies shall also stand lapsed; and (iii) The State Government shall immediately take steps to constitute the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Delimitation Commission. The above translation of ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಗ್ರಾ ಮ ಸ್ವ ರಾಜ್ ಮತ್ತು ಪಂಚಾಯತ್ ರಾಜ್ (ತಿದ್ದು ಪಡಿ) ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ, 2021 (2021ರ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ: 25) be published in the official Gazette under clause (3) of Article 348 of the Constitution of India. THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT GOVERNOR OF KARNATAKA By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, G. SRIDHAR Secretary to Government Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation KARNATAKA ACT NO. 19 OF 2022 (First Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the 5 th day of April, 2022) THE KARNATAKA GRAM SWARAJ AND PANCHAYAT RAJ (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2022 (Received the assent of Governor on the 4 th day of April, 2022) An Act further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993. Whereas, it is expedient further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) for the purposes hereinafter appearing; Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the seventy third year of the Republic of India, as follows:- 1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2022. (2) It shall come into force at once. 2. Amendment of section 12.- In section 12 of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) (hereinafter referred to as the Principal Act), after clause (d) the following shall be inserted, namely:- “(d-1) if he has been subject to compulsory retirement or removal or dismissal from the service of the Central Government or the State Government; or. (d-2) if he has been subject to compulsory retirement or removal or dismissal from the service of the Co-operative Society and institutions or if, he has been removed from the post of Chairperson and membership of the Co-operative society and institutions; or,” 3. Amendment of section 121.- For section 121 of the Principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely:- “121. Elected Members.- The number of elected members of a Taluk Panchayath as far as possible shall consist of members elected from the territorial constituencies in the Taluk as may be notified from time to time by the Government on the basis of rural population or thereof, as below,- (v) Taluks having a rural population exceeding two lakhs, there shall be one elected member for every population of not less than twelve thousand; (vi) Taluks having a rural population exceeding one lakh, but not exceeding two lakhs there shall be one elected member for every population of not less than ten thousand and there shall be a minimum of eleven elected members; (vii) Taluks having a rural population exceeding fifty thousand but not exceeding one lakh, there shall be a minimum of nine elected members; and (viii) Taluks having a rural population less than fifty thousand, there shall be a minimum of seven elected members.” 4. Amendment of section 128.- In section 128 of the Principal Act, in sub section (1), after clause (e), the following shall be inserted, namely:- “(e-1) if he has been subject to compulsory retirement or removal or dismissal from the service of the Central Government or the State Government; or.” (e-2) if he has been subject to compulsory retirement or removal or dismissal from the service of the Co-operative Society and institutions or if, he has been removed from the post of Chairperson and membership of the Co-operative society and institutions; or,” 5. Amendment of section 160.- In section 160 of the Principal Act, for the proviso, the following shall be substituted, namely:- “Provided that, in case of Chikkamagalur (excluding Tarikere, Kaduru, Ajjampura Taluks) Uttara Kannada and Kodagu Districts it shall be one member for every rural population between eighteen thousand to twenty five thousand or part thereof.” 6. Amendment of section 167.- In section 167 of the Principal Act, in sub section (1), after clause (d), the following shall be inserted, namely:- “(d-1) if he has been subject to compulsory retirement or removal or dismissal from the service of the Central Government or the State Government; or.” (d-2) “if he has been subject to compulsory retirement or removal or dismissal from the service of the Co-operative Society and institutions or if, he has been removed from the post of Chairperson and membership of the Co-operative society and institutions; or,” 7. Amendment of section 308AB.- In section 308AB of the Principal Act, in sub section (1), for the words “As soon as the notification of election to elect a member is issued, the Returning Officer shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, notify,” the words “On publication of the schedule of election to elect the members is published by the State Election Commission, the Deputy Commissioner shall by notification in the Official Gazette, notify.” shall be substituted. 8. Amendment of section 310.-In section 310 of the Principal Act,- (i) in sub section (2), for clause (a) and (b) the following shall be substituted, namely:- “(a) The Minister in charge of the concerned District- Chair-person (b) The Adhyaksha of the Zilla Panchayat- Co-Chairperson (b-1) The Mayor or the President of the concerned City Corporation or Municipalities at the District head quarters - Vice-Chairperson” (ii) sub section (5) shall be omitted. 9. Amendment of section 310B.-In section 310B of the Principal Act, in sub- section (2), in the table, after serial number “3” and the entries relating thereto, the following shall be inserted, namely:- “ 3-A Special Invitee Vice-Chairperson of the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission ” The above translation of ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಗ್ರಾ ಮ ಸ್ವ ರಾಜ್ ಮತ್ತು ಪಂಚಾಯತ್ ರಾಜ್ (ತಿದ್ದು ಪಡಿ) ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ, 2022 (2022 ರ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ: 19) be published in the official Gazette under clause (3) of Article 348 of the Constitution of India. THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT GOVERNOR OF KARNATAKA By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, G.SRIDHAR Secretary to Government Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation KARNATAKA ACT NO. 27 OF 2022 (First Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the 11 th day of October, 2022) THE KARNATAKA GRAM SWARAJ AND PANCHAYAT RAJ (SECOND AMENDMENT) ACT, 2022 (Received the assent of Governor on the 11 th day of October, 2022) An Act further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993. Whereas, it is expedient further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) for the purposes hereinafter appearing; Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the seventy third year of the Republic of India, as follows:- 1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Second Amendment) Act, 2022. (2) It shall be deemed to have come into force with effect from the 22 nd day of August, 2022. 2. Amendment of section 121.- In section 121 of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) (hereinafter referred to as the Principal Act),- (a) in clause (i), for the words “two lakhs” the words “two lakh thirty thousand” shall be substituted; and (b) in clause (ii), for the words “two lakhs” the words “two lakh thirty thousand” shall be substituted. 3. Amendment of section 160.- In section 160 of the Principal Act,- (a) for the words “not less than twenty persons” the words “not less than twenty five members” shall be substituted; and (b) after the proviso, the following shall be inserted, namely:- “Provided further that, in case of a district having rural population of more than seven lakhs but not more than nine lakhs fifty thousand there shall be twenty eight elected members.” 4. Repeal and savings.- (1) The Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2022 (Karnataka Ordinance 06 of 2022) is hereby repealed. (2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the principal Act, as amended by the said Ordinance, shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the principal Act, as amended by this Act. The above translation of ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಗ್ರಾ ಮ ಸ್ವ ರಾಜ್ ಮತ್ತು ಪಂಚಾಯತ್ ರಾಜ್ (ಎರಡನೇ ತಿದ್ದು ಪಡಿ) ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ, 2022 (2022 ರ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ: 27) be published in the official Gazette under clause (3) of Article 348 of the Constitution of India. THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT GOVERNOR OF KARNATAKA By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, G. SRIDHAR Secretary to Government Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation. KARNATAKA ACT NO. 01 OF 2024 (First Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the 30 th day of January 2024) THE KARNATAKA GRAM SWARAJ AND PANCHAYAT RAJ (AMENDMENT) ACT, (Received the assent of the Governor on the 29 th day of January 2024) An Act further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993). Whereas, it is expedient further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) for the purposes hereinafter appearing; Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the seventy fourth year of the Republic of India, as follows:- 1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2023. (2) It shall be deemed to have come into force with effect from 16 th day of September, 2023. 2. Amendment of section 160.- In the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) in section 160, in the first proviso, before the word “Chikkamagalur” the words, brackets and punctuation “Shivamogga (excluding Bhadravati, Shivamogga and Shikaripura Taluks),” shall be inserted. 3. Repeal and savings.- (1) The Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 (Karnataka Ordinance 03 of 2023) is hereby repealed. (2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the Principal Act, as amended by the said Ordinance, shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the Principal Act, as amended by this Act. The above translation of ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಗ್ರಾ ಮ ಸ್ವ ರಾಜ್ ಮತ್ತು ಪಂಚಾಯತ್ ರಾಜ್ (ತಿದ್ದು ಪಡಿ) ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ, 2023 (2024ರ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ :01) be published in the official Gazette under clause (3) of Article 348 of the constitution of India. THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT GOVERNOR OF KARANATAKA By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, G. SRIDHAR Secretary to Government Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation KARNATAKA ACT NO. 22 OF 2024 (First Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the 11 th day of March 2024) THE KARNATAKA GRAM SWARAJ AND PANCHAYAT RAJ (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2024 (Received the assent of the Governor on the 8 th day of March 2024) An Act further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993). Whereas, it is expedient further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) for the purposes hereinafter appearing; Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the seventy fifth year of the Republic of India, as follows:- 1. Short title and commencement.-(1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2024. (2) It shall come into force at once. 2. Amendment of section 160.-In the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) in section 160, in the first proviso,- (i) the words “and Kodagu” shall be omitted; and (ii) at the end the following shall be inserted, namely:- “and in case of Kodagu district, there shall be one member for every eighteen thousand or part thereof of rural population.” The above translation of ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಗ್ರಾ ಮ ಸ್ವ ರಾಜ್ ಮತ್ತು ಪಂಚಾಯತ್ ರಾಜ್ (ತಿದ್ದು ಪಡಿ) ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ, 2024 (2024ರ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ :22) be published in the official Gazette under clause (3) of Article 348 of the constitution of India. THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT GOVERNOR OF KARANATAKA By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, G. SRIDHAR Secretary to Government, Department of Parliamentary Affairs And Legislation KARNATAKA ACT NO. 27 OF 2025 (First Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the 7 th day of April ) THE KARNATAKA GRAM SWARAJ AND PANCHAYAT RAJ (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2025 (Received the assent of the Governor on the th day of April 2025) An Act further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993; Whereas, it is expedient further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) for the purposes hereinafter appearing; Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the Seventy Sixth year of the Republic of India, as follows:- 1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2025. (2) It shall come into force at once. 2. Insertion of new sections 199B and 199C.- After section 199A of Karnataka Grama Swaraj and Panchayath Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) following sections shall be inserted, namely:- “199B. Issuing new Khata or PID to the properties.- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, prior approval of the layout plan by the jurisdictional Planning Authority shall be obtained by the Grama Panchayath or the authorities as designated by the Government by notification to issue new PID or khata for the building sites meant for the purposes of construction of building. (2) In case, the Grama Panchayath areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Local Planning Area notified under the provisions of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961 (Karnataka Act 11 of 1963), the sanctioned layout plan shall be obtained from the jurisdictional planning authority under section 17 of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961 (Karnataka Act 11 of 1963) and no new PID or khata shall be issued without complying with the provisions of section 17 and sub-section (2-E) of the section 17 of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961 (Karnataka Act 11 of 1963). (3) In case, the Grama Panchayath area is not covered under the jurisdiction of the Local Planning Area or the Planning Authority constituted under the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961 (Karnataka Act 11 of 1963), the sanctioned layout plan shall be obtained from the Director of Town and Country Planning or an officer not below the rank of Assistant Director, Town and Country planning authorized by the Director under sub-section (2) of section 4-K of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961 (Karnataka Act 11 of 1963), and no new PID or khata shall be issued by the concerned Authority without complying with the provisions of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961 (Karnataka Act 11 of 1963): Provided that, if any officer or official or authority of the Grama Panchayath fails to comply with the said provisions of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961 (Karnataka Act 11 of 1963) and issues new PID or khata to an unlawfully formed plot, the concerned officer or official or authority shall be liable for such penalty and punishment as may be prescribed. 199C. Taxes on building and unconverted land or converted land but unapproved layout in a revenue land.- (1) The Grama Panchayath may levy and collect the property tax from every building, vacant land or both, including a building constructed in violation of the provisions of Model building bye-laws or unconverted land or converted land but unapproved layout in a revenue land or from a building occupied without issuance of Occupancy or Completion certificate, only for the property created prior to the date of inception of this provision, except for the building constructed illegally on the Government land, forest land, land belonging to any local body, any statutory body or an organization owned or controlled by the Government. The property tax levied for such building or vacant site shall be double the tax payable for the first year and only the property tax shall be levied for the subsequent years, which shall be maintained in a separate register. No new property shall be entered in the register after the date of commencement of the Karnataka Grama Swaraj and Panchayath Raj (Amendment) Act 2025: Provided that, levy and collection of property tax under this sub-section from such building or vacant land does not confer any right to regularize violation made, or title, ownership or legal status to such building or vacant land. The persons holding such building or vacant land shall always be liable for legal action for violation of law, in accordance with the provisions of this Act or any other law for the time being in force. (2) The Senior Panchayath Development Officer or Panchayath Development Officer shall maintain a record as specified in sub-section (1), which shall contain the details of the lawful buildings or vacant lands and unlawful buildings or vacant lands, which have been taxed under this section.” 3. Power to remove difficulties.- (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as may appear to it to be necessary for removing the difficulty: Provided that, no such order shall be made under this section after the expiry of a period of two years from the date of commencement of this Act. (2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each house of the State Legislature. The above translation of ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಗ್ರಾ ಮ ಸ್ವ ರಾಜ್ ಮತ್ತು ಪಂಚಾಯತ್ ರಾಜ್ (ತಿದ್ದು ಪಡಿ) ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ, 2025 (2025ರ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ:27) be published in the official Gazette under clause (3) of Article 348 of the constitution of India. THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT GOVERNOR OF KARANATAKA By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, G. SRIDHAR Secretary to Government Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation KARNATAKA ACT NO. 61 OF 2025 (First published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the 12 th day of September, 2025) THE KARNATAKA DECRIMINALISATION (AMENDMENT OF PROVISIONS) ACT, 2025 (Received the assent of the Governor on the 11 th day of September, 2025) An Act to amend certain enactments for decriminalising and rationalising offences and to further enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business. Whereas it is to amend certain enactments for decriminalising and rationalising offences and to further enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business and for matters connected therewith for the purposes hereinafter appearing; Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the seventy sixth year of the Republic of India, as follows:- 1. Short title, commencement and application.- (1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Decriminalisation (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2025. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Government of Karnataka may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint and different dates may be appointed for amendments relating to different enactments. (3) The amendment of any enactment by this Act shall not affect any other enactment in which the amended enactment has been applied, incorporated or referred to. (4) This Act shall not affect the validity, invalidity, effect or consequences of anything already done or suffered, or any right, title, obligation or liability already acquired, accrued or incurred or any remedy or proceeding in respect thereof, or any release or discharge of, or from any debt, penalty, obligation, liability, claim or demand or any indemnity already granted, or the proof of any past act or thing; (5) This Act shall not affect any principle or rule of law, or established jurisdiction, form or course of pleading, practice or procedure, or existing usage, custom, privilege, restriction, exemption, office or appointment, notwithstanding that the same respectively may have been in any manner affirmed, or recognised or derived by, in or from any enactment hereby amended. (6) The amendment of any enactment by this Act shall not revive restore any jurisdiction, office, custom, liability, right, title, privilege, restriction, exemption, usage, practice, procedure or other matter or thing not now existing or in force. 2. Amendment of Karnataka Act 14 of 1993.- In the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayathraj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993), in section 281, for the words, “on conviction, be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees or with both” the words, “be punished with fine of rupees one thousand which may be extended to five thousand rupees”, shall be substituted. The above translation of ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ನಿರಪರಾಧಿೀಕರಣ (ಉಪಬಂಧಗಳ ತಿದ್ದು ಪಡಿ) ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ, 2025 (2025ರ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ: 61) be published in the official Gazette under Article 348 of the Constitution of India. THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT GOVERNOR OF KARNATAKA By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, G. SRIDHAR Secretary to Government Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation KARNATAKA ACT NO. 30 OF 2026 (First Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the 15 th day of April ) THE KARNATAKA GRAM SWARAJ AND PANCHAYAT RAJ (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2026 (Received the assent of the Governor on the th day of April 2026) An Act further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993. WHEREAS the Constitution of India, under Article 326 guarantees the right to vote through adult suffrage, ensuring that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, reflecting the democratic will of the people; WHEREAS the principle of secrecy of the ballot is a cornerstone of free and fair elections, as recognized by the Judiciary which emphasized that the secrecy of the ballot protects voters from coercion, intimidation, and undue influence, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the democratic process in several judgments of Supreme Court; WHEREAS the Supreme Court in Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006) clarified that while open ballots may be permissible in specific contexts, the secret ballot remains essential for elections to ensure voter autonomy and prevent external pressures, thereby upholding the constitutional mandate of free elections; WHEREAS the Judiciary underscored the importance of voter confidence in the electoral process, introducing the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) to enhance transparency while preserving the secrecy of the ballot, and highlighted the need for continuous reforms to address vulnerabilities in electronic voting systems; WHEREAS some concerns have been raised, regarding functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) necessitating a return to the robust secret ballot paper system to restore public trust; WHEREAS the decision of the Karnataka State Government to revert to paper ballots for local body elections, in response to concerns about EVM credibility and voter privacy, reflects a growing consensus on the need to strengthen electoral mechanisms that prioritize anonymity and transparency; WHEREAS the secret ballot system, through the use of paper ballots or other anonymized mechanisms, ensures that voters can exercise their franchise without fear of retribution, promotes electoral integrity, and aligns with India’s international commitments under Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to free elections with a secret vote; WHEREAS it is expedient to enact legislation to mandate the use of a secret ballot system in all local body elections, with provisions for transparent auditing and safeguards against tampering, to uphold the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution and reinforced by judicial pronouncements; WHEREAS the State of Karnataka, in pursuance of ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections to local authorities, has resolved to amend the relevant statutes governing local bodies to mandate the adoption of a secret ballot system using paper ballots, thereby facilitating the State Election Commission in conducting elections with enhanced voter privacy and electoral integrity; AND WHEREAS it is expedient to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) to provide for the use of a secret ballot paper system in elections to rural local authorities, thereby strengthening public confidence in the democratic process; Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the seventy seventh year of the Republic of India as follows, namely:- 1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2026. (2) It shall come into force at once. 2. Amendment of section 2.- In the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act 14 of 1993) (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act) in section 2, after clause (2), the following shall be inserted, namely:- “(2-A) “Ballot or Ballot Box or Ballot paper” means Ballot or Ballot Box or Ballot paper wherever used shall be construed as secret Ballot Paper wherever applicable”; 3. Amendment of section 7.- In the Principal Act, in section 7, sub- section (3) and the Explanation shall be omitted. 4. Amendment of section 31A.- In the Principal Act, in section 31A, in clause (a) and clause (d) the words “or voting machines” shall be omitted. 5. Amendment of section 130.- In the Principal Act, in section 130, sub-section (2-A) and the Explanation shall be omitted. 6. Substitution of section 165.- In the Principal Act, for section 165, the following shall be substituted, namely:- “165. Electoral roll.- (1) For every Constituency of Zilla Panchayat there shall be an electoral roll which shall be prepared by the Assistant Commissioner, subject to the superintendence, direction and control of the State Election Commission. (2) The Electoral roll so prepared shall be revised, modified, updated and published in accordance with the provisions of this Act. (3) A person whose name has been included in the electoral roll of Zilla Panchayat Constituency shall be entitled to vote in an election to that constituency: Provided that, the electoral roll for such constituency of Zilla Panchayat shall not include any amendment, transposition, inclusion or deletion of entry made after the last date for making nomination for the election to such constituency and before completion of such election.” 7. Amendment of section 169.- In the Principal Act, in section 169, sub-section (2-A) and the Explanation shall be omitted. 8. Power to remove difficulties.- (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Government may by order, published in the official Gazette, as the occasion may require, do anything which appears to it to be necessary to remove the difficulty. (2) Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after it is so made, be laid before the both House of the State Legislature. 9. Interpretation of terms.- In the principal Act, and rules made there under, issued orders, circulars and notice in relation to governing elections to the concerned rural local authorities conducted by the State Election Commission, any reference to “Ballot” or Ballot Box” or “Ballot Paper” shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be construed to mean “Ballot” or “Ballot Box” or “Secret Ballot Paper” to ensure the secrecy of the vote, in accordance with the principles of free and fair elections. The above translation of ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಗ್ರಾ ಮ ಸ್ವ ರಾಜ್ ಮತ್ತು ಪಂಚಾಯತ್ ರಾಜ್ (ತಿದ್ದು ಪಡಿ) ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ, 2026 (2026ರ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಅಧಿನಿಯಮ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ:30) be published in the official Gazette under clause (3) of Article 348 of the constitution of India. THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT GOVERNOR OF KARANATAKA By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, G. SRIDHAR Secretary to Government Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation