The Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endownments Act, 1997

Short title and commencement.-

1. (1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Act, 2011.
2. (2) It shall come into force at once.

Amendment of section 1.- In the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997 (Karnataka Act 33 of 2001) (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), in section 1, for sub-section (4), the following shall be substituted, namely:- "(4) It shall not apply to a math or temple attached to or managed by math."

Amendment of section 2.- In section 2 of the principal Act,-

1. (1) for clause (1), the following shall be substituted, namely:- “(1) “Architectural committee” means the Architectural committee constituted under Section 69D”.
2. (2) for clause (5), the following shall be substituted, namely:- “(5) “Charitable Endowment” means all property given or endowed for any religious charitable purpose.”
3. (3) for clause (6), the following shall be substituted, namely:- “(6) “Charitable Institution” means any establishment, undertaking, organisaton or association formed for a charitable purpose and includes specific endowment and Dharmadayam.”
4. (4) after clause (10), the following shall be inserted, namely:- “(10A) “Composite Institution” means and include an institution of religious and charitable endowment or place of worship of Hindus and other religion commonly and jointly worshipped by Hindus and other religion according to the custom, tradition and usage prevailing there in.”
5. (5) after clause (12), the following shall be inserted, namely:- “(12A) “Dharmika Parishat” means the Rajya Dharmika Parishat constituted under section 20 or Zilla Dharmika Parishat constituted under section 21 as the case may be.”
6. (6) after clause (14), the following shall be inserted, namely:- “(14A) “Endowment Survey Officer” means the endowment Survey Officer appointed under section 3. “(14B) “Family Temple” means any temple established or maintained exclusively by the members of any family either by themselves or family trustees consisting of family members only. (14C) “Family Charitable Endowment” means any Charitable Institution established and maintained exclusively by the funds of a family or by the members of the family which is not receiving any donation or contribution from public in whatever form.”
7. (7) in clause (15), after the words “law of succession for the time being in force”, the words “or declared as such by any court of law or by the statutory authority under any enactment or recorded as such under any enactment shall be inserted.”
8. (8) for clause (16), the following shall be substituted, namely:- “(16) “Hindu Religious Denomination” means a collection of Hindu Individuals or devotees classed together under the same name, a Hindu religious section or sub-section or body or a section thereof or the spiritual fraternity represented by it having a common faith, rituals, observances, ceremonies and mode of worship which is designated by a distinctive name.”
9. (9) for clause (17), the following shall be substituted, namely:- “(17) “Religious Institution” means a temple or an endowment and includes a brindavana, samadhi, peetha, paduka or any other institution established or maintained for a religious purpose.”
10. (10) after clause (19), the following shall be inserted, namely:- “(19A) “Math” means a religious institution presided over by a person whose principal duty is to engage himself, in teaching and propagation of religion, teachings and philosophy of the denomination, sect or sampradaya to which the Math belongs and in imparting religious instruction and training and rendering spiritual service who exercises or claims to exercise spiritual headship over a body of disciples and includes any place or places of religious worship, instruction or training which are pertinent to the institution including religious institutions attached either religiously or administratively to the Maths.”
11. (11) in clause (23), the words “other than an institution which is an inseparable integral part of a composite institution consisting of institutions other than religious institutions also” shall be omitted.
12. (12) for clause (27), the following shall be substituted, namely:- “(27) “Temple” means a place by whatever name called, used as a place of public religious worship having separate existence and dedicated to or for the benefit of or used as of right by the Hindu Community or any section thereof as a place of public religious worship and includes a Mandira, Samadhi, Brindavana, Gadduge, Shrine, Sub-shrine, Utsav Mantapa, tank, Paduka-peetha, Daivasthana, Gudi, Garodi or other necessary appurtenances, structures and land.”

Amendment of section 3.- In section 3 of the principal Act, in sub-section (2), after the words “corporate sole and”, the words “subject to the powers and jurisdiction of the Rajya Dharmika Parishat” shall be inserted.

Amendment of section 4.- In section 4 of the principal Act,-

1. (1) in sub-section (1), after the words “subject to the authority of the Commissioner”, the words “and subject to the powers and jurisdiction of Zilla Dharmika Parishat” shall be inserted;
2. (2) in sub-section (2), after the words “to perform such duties or exercise such powers as may be conferred on him”, the words “and subject to the powers and jurisdiction of Zilla Dharmika Parishat” shall be inserted.

Amendment of section 9.- In section 9 of the principal Act,-

1. (i) in the heading and sub-section (1), after the words, “Archakas”, the words “and temple servants” shall be inserted; and
2. (ii) after sub-section (1), the following provisos shall be inserted, namely:- “ Provided that in case of hereditary post, if there is no dispute among the members of the family, the next in line of succession shall be appointed; with the prior approval of the commissioner: Provided further that in case where no legal heir of the hereditary post are available the Committee of Management may appoint any person as provided under sub-section (1).”
3. (iii) in sub-section (3), after the words, “the number of archakas”, the words “and temple servants” shall be inserted.

Amendment of section 10.- In section 10 of the principal Act,-

1. (i) in sub-section (1), for the word and bracket “(wara)”, the word and the bracket “(pravara)” shall be substituted;
2. (ii) for sub-section (2), the following shall be substituted, namely:- “(2) Archaka other than hereditary Archaks who are in service on the date of the commencement of the Karnataka Hindu religious institution and charitable endowments (Amendment) Act, 2011 may be continued as Archaka who shall acquire the prescribed qualification within the period of five years unless he has crossed forty-five years of age.”

Insertion of section 10A.- After section 10 of the principal Act, the following shall be inserted, namely:- “10A. Disqualification of Archaks.- A person shall be disqualified for being appointed as Archak or being continued as Archak if he,-

1. (a) is suffering from any virulent or contagious disease; or
2. (b) is unable to recite Vedic mantras or Shlokas relating to the rituals in temple concerned with clarity and without any fault, other than temples, where reciting of vedic Mantras or Shlokas is not compulsory or mandatory;
3. (c) is not free from ‘Sapta Vyasanas’. Explanation.- The expression ‘Sapta Vyasanas’ means gambling, consuming intoxicating liquor and drugs, smoking, immoral sexual conduct, involved in heinous crime, stealing and cheating.”

Amendment of section 12.- In section 12 of the principal Act,-

1. (i) in sub-section (1), after the words and comma ‘rotation of work’ the comma and words, “retirement of non-hereditary Archaks and temple servants” shall be inserted; and
2. (ii) for sub-section (2), the following shall be substituted namely:- “(2) the emoluments, pay and allowances of Archaks and temple servants shall be fair and reasonable having due regard to the income, usage, custom and tradition prevailing in the respective notified institution. The State Government may classify the temples into two or more classes based on their income, as may be prescribed.”

Amendment of section 17.- In section 17 of the principal Act,-

1. (i) for the word “Commissioner” the words “Rajya Dharmika Parishat” shall be substituted;
2. (ii) for clause (a), the following shall be substituted, namely:- “(a) contributions made by the notified or declared institutions at the following rate:-

1. (1) ten percent of the net income in respect of institutions whose gross annual income exceeds rupees ten lakhs;
2. (2) five percent of the net income in respect of institutions whose gross annual income exceed rupees five lakhs but does not exceed rupees ten lakhs.”

Amendment of section 19.- In section 19 of the principal Act,-

1. (i) in sub-section (1),-

1. (a) for the word “Commissioner”, the words “Rajya Dharmika Parishat” shall be substituted;
2. (b) for clause (i), the following shall be substituted, namely:- “(i) payment of terminal benefits to the Archaks and temple servants where there is no sufficient fund at the credit of the institution;”
   • (ii) sub-section

1. (3) shall be omitted.

Amendment of section 20.- For section 20 of the principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely:- “20. Rajya Dharmika Parishat.-(1) The State Government may, by notification in the official Gazette constitute the Rajya Dharmika Parishat consisting of the following members, namely:-

1. (a) Minister in Charge of Hindu Religious, Institutions and Charitable Endowments Chairman
2. (b) Secretary to Government in charge of Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable, Endowments Vice Chairman
3. (c) Commissioner, Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Ex-officio Secretary
4. (d) Members to be nominated by Government for a period of three years
   • (i) One Retired District Judge member
   • (ii) One Agama scholar member
   • (iii) one vedic scholar member
   • (iv) one person belong to SC or ST member
   • (v) one person belonging to backward classes member
   • (vi) one woman member
   • (vii) two others member

1. (2) The members nominated by Government under sub-section (1), except a retired district Judge, shall hold office subject to the pleasure of Government.
2. (3) The member nominated by Government shall be a person who has contributed to the Hindu Religious field but shall not be an office bearer of any political party in any level.
3. (4) In the event of any vacancy due to death, resignation or otherwise, the Government may appoint a member for the remaining period of the term of such member.
4. (5) The Rajya Dharmika Parishat may, for the purpose of consultation, invite any person having experience and specialized knowledge or expert in any subject to attend its meeting and every such person is entitled to such allowances as may be prescribed.
5. (6) The Government may delegate any of its powers and functions other than the power to make rules under the provisions of the Act to the Rajya Dharmika Parishat.
6. (7) In the absence of Chairman, the Vice Chairman shall preside over the meeting of the Rajya Dharmika Parishad.
7. (8) In the absence of nominated member the remaining members constitute the Rajya Dharmika Parishat.
8. (9) All the correspondence in respect of or to the Rajya Dharmika Parishat shall be made by or to the Secretary, Rajya Dharmika Parishat including the power to sue or be sued. 20A. The powers and functions of the Rajya Dharmika Parishat.- The powers and functions of the Rajya Dharmika Parishat shall be as follows, namely:-
9. (1) The Rajya Dharmika Parishat shall be empowered to resolve any dispute,-
   • (a) regarding religious practices, customs, usage, traditions and for that purpose it may consult experts to assist in resolving such disputes;
   • (b) as to whether a temple is a public, private or denominational temple;
   • (c) as to whether an institutions is a religious institution or a composite institution;
   • (d) as to whether a trustee holds or held office as hereditary trustee of such institution.
10. (2) The Rajya Dharmika Parishat,-
    • (i) may constitute a Committee of Management to the notified institution having gross annual income of rupees ten lakhs and above;
    • (ii) may approve scheme for adoption of temples having an income of rupees two lakhs or less and to fix the terms of adoption;
    • (iii) shall act as appellate authority in respect of orders passed by the Zilla Dharmika Parishat;
    • (iv) for the purpose of resolving any dispute as provided under this section Nyayadhikarana may be constituted with the judicial member of the Parishat and the Commissioner as its members. If there is difference of opinion among the members the issue shall be decided by the Rajya Dharmika Parishat;
    • (v) may recommend to the State Government to issue notification and de-notification of the institutions required to be notified or deleted under the provisions of the Act;
    • (vi) may dissolve Committee of Management of a notified institution having gross income of Rupees ten lakhs and above as provided under section 28 and to appoint administrator to the notified institutions under section 29;
    • (vii) shall record the name of the member of the family, who is entitled to succeed to the office of hereditary trustee when a permanent vacancy occurs and if there is no dispute in the office of the hereditary trustee.”

Amendment of section 21.- For section 21 of the principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely:- "21 Zilla Dharmika Parishat.-

1. (1) The State Government may, on the recommendation of the Rajya Dharmika Parishat, by notification, in the official Gazette, constitute a Zilla Dharmika Parishat to each district or to one or more districts consisting of the following members, namely:-
   • (a) The Deputy Commissioner of the concerned District Chairman
   • (b) The concerned Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious Institution and Charitable Endowments wherever available or Endowment Tahsildar or Endowment Assistant of the Deputy Commissioners Office. Ex-officio Secretary
   • (c) Members to be nominated by Government for a period of three years
     • (i) one retired Judicial Officer not below the cadre of Civil Judge (Senior Division) Member
     • (ii) one Agama Pandit Member
     • (iii) one Vedic Scholar Member
     • (iv) one from scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe Member
     • (v) one woman Member
     • (vi) one person from backward classes Member
     • (vii) two others Member
2. (2) Members nominated by Government under clause
   • (iii) of sub-section
3. (1) except a retired Judicial Officer, shall hold office subject to the pleasure of Government.
4. (3) The person nominated by Government shall be a person who has contributed to the Hindu Religious field but shall not be an office bearer of any political party in any lelvel.
5. (4) In the event of any vacancy due to death, resignation or otherwise the Government may appoint a person for the remaining period of the term of such member.
6. (5) The Zilla Dharmika Parishat may for the purpose of consultation, invite any person having experience and specialized knowledge or expert in any subject to attend its meeting and every such person is entitled to such allowance as may be prescribed.
7. (6) The Government or Rajya Dharmika Parishat may, by notification, delegate any of its powers and functions under the provisions of this Act except the power to make rules to the Zilla Dharmika Parishat.
8. (7) In the absence of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman shall preside over the meeting of the Zilla Dharmika Parishat.
9. (8) In the absence of nominated member of Zilla Dharmika Parishat, the remaining members shall constitute the Zilla Dharmika Parishat.
10. (9) All the correspondence in respect of Zilla Dharmika Parishat shall be made by or to the Secretary, Zilla Dharmika Parishat including the power to sue or be sued. 21A. Powers and functions of the Zilla Dharmika Parishat.-
11. (1) The Zilla Dharmika Parishat shall exercise such powers and perform such duties and functions as may be prescribed.
12. (2) The Zilla Dharmika Parishat in addition to the powers, duties and functions under sub-section (1), shall have power to,-
    • (a) constitute a Committee of Management to the notified institutions having gross annual income of Rupees One lakh and above but below Rupees Ten lakhs;
    • (b) dissolve the committee of Management of the notified institutions having income of Rupees One lakh and above but below Rupees Ten lakhs, as provided under section 28.
13. (3) The disputes falling within the jurisdiction of Zilla Dharmika Parishat, shall be resolved by a Nyayadhikarana consisting of a judicial member and the secretary of the Parishat. If there is any difference of opinion among them the issue shall be decided by the Zilla Dharmika Parishat. 21B. Qualification and disqualification of the members of the Dharmika Parishats.-
14. (1) The member of the Rajya Dharmika Parishat and Zilla Dharmika Parishat shall be a Hindu and he shall cease to hold office whenever cease to profess such religion.
15. (2) A person shall be disqualified for being appointed or for being continued as a member of the Parishat,-
    • (a) if he is an undischarged insolvent ;or
    • (b) if he is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court; or
    • (c) if he has been sentenced by a criminal court for an offence involving moral turpitude; or
    • (d) if he has at anytime acted adverse to the interest of the Hindu Religious Institutions; or
    • (e) if he is addicted to intoxicating liquor or drugs or gambling. 21C. Removal and disqualification of the members of the Rajya Dharmika Parishat and Zilla Dharmika Parishat.- The State Government may remove or disqualify a non-official member of the Rajya Dharmika Parishat or Zilla Dharmika Parishat on proven misconduct and misbehavior after holding such enquiry on such charges as it may deems fit. 21D. Meeting of the Rajya Dharmika Parishad and Zilla Dharmika Parishat.-
16. (1) The periodical meetings of the Rajya Dharmika Parishat and Zilla Dharmika Parishat shall be held at such intervals as may be prescribed.
17. (2) The sitting fees and allowances payable to the members of the Rajya Dharmika Parishat and Zilla Dharmika parishat, shall be such as may be prescribed. 21E. Control by the State Governments.- The State Government shall have general administrative and supervisory control over the activities and affairs of the Rajya Dharmika Parishat and Zilla Dharmika Parishat. 21F. Adoption of smaller notified institution by larger institution or charitable institution.-
18. (1) Any notified institution whose annual gross income is less than rupees two lakhs may, with the prior approval of the Rajya Dharmika Parishat, be adopted for a period of five years by any other larger notified institution or declared institution or a math or a registered trust or association, whose object is also religious or charitable: Provided that the period of adoption may be extended by the Rajya Dharmika Parishat for sufficient and good reasons.
19. (2) The conditions of adoption shall be such as may be prescribed: Provided that the Rajya Dharmika Parishat may for sufficient reason terminate the adoption with due notice to the adopter.”

Amendment of section 23.- In section 23 of the principal Act,-

1. (i) in clause (a), after the words “State Government” the words “under the provisions of Mysore Religious and Charitable Institutions Act, 1927” shall be inserted;
2. (ii) for clause (e), the following shall be substituted, namely:- “(e) All Hindu Religious Institutions registered under the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950;

1. (ee) All Hindu Religious Institutions which are in receipt of any monthly or annual grant from public revenue or any amount under the Karnataka Certain Inams (Abolition) Act, 1977.”

Amendment of section 24.- In section 24 of the principal Act, in sub-section (1), for the words “the Commissioner shall be the Chief Controlling Authority”, the words “subject to the powers and jurisdiction of the Rajya Dharmika Parishat the Commissioner shall be the Chief Controlling Authority” shall be substituted.

Insertion of section 24 A.- After section 24 of the principal Act, the following shall be inserted, namely:- "24A. Appointment of Executive Officer and term of office.-

1. (1) The State Government or the Commissioner as the case may be, may appoint any officer to be the executive officer to a notified institution or to a group of notified institutions.
2. (2) The cadre of the executive officer to be appointed to the notified institution may be, based on the income of such institution.
3. (3) The executive Officer shall hold office for such term as may be fixed by the State Government and he shall exercise such power and perform such duties as may be prescribed.
4. (4) The executive Officer shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code 1860."

Amendment of section 25.- In section 25 of the principal Act,-

1. (i) for sub-section (1), the following shall be substituted, namely:- "(1) There shall be constituted by Rajya Dharmika Parishat or Zilla Dharmika parishat a committee of Management consisting of nine members: Provided that the committee of management in respect of notified institutions belonging to religious denomination be constituted by themselves according to the usage and practice prevailing therein as on the date of commencement of the Karnataka Hindu religious institutions and Charitable endowments (Amendment) Act, 2011 and the same shall be recognized by the Rajya Dharmika Parishat or the Zilla Dharmika Parishat as the case may be: Provided further that every Committee of Management or Pancha Committtee or Dharmadarshi Committee or Non-hereditary Trustees constituted or appointed under the repealed Acts who were lawfully holding office shall cease to hold office from the date of the commencement of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Act, 2011."
2. (ii) in sub-section (3),-

1. (a) for the words “prescribed authority”, the words “the Rajya Dharmika Parishat or the Zilla Dharmika Parishat as the case may be” shall be substituted;
2. (b) for clause (iii), the following shall be substituted, namely:- "(iii) of the other, two are women and at least one member from among the persons living in the locality of the temple".
3. (c) in sub-clause (iii), for the second proviso, the following shall be substituted, namely:- " Provided further that in case of composite institution members from both Hindu and other religion may be appointed".
   • (iii) in sub-section (4), sub-clause
4. (d) shall be omitted.

Insertion of section 25A.- After section 25 of principal Act the following shall be inserted, namely:- "25A. Provision relating to institution managed by Hereditary Trustee.-

1. (1) No committee of management shall be constituted in respect of the notified institutions managed exclusively by hereditary trustees. The power of management shall vest in such hereditary trustee.
2. (2) If there is no legal heir to succeed the office of the hereditary trustee, the Rajya Dharmika Parishat or the Zilla Dharmika Parishat, as the case may be, shall constitute the committee of management as provided under section 25.
3. (3) When a temporary vacancy occurs in the office of a hereditary trustee and if there is a dispute with regard to right of succession to such office and such vacancy cannot be filled up immediately or when a successor is a minor and has no guardian fit and willing to act or there is a dispute regard to as to who is entitled to succeed such office, the Rajya Dharmika Parishat may appoint a fit person to discharge functions of the office of hereditary trustee until the disability ceases or another successor succeeds to such office: Provided that in making any appointment, the Rajya Dharmika Parishat shall have due regard to the claims of members of the said family, if any entitled to the succession. 25B. Power of the Deputy Commissioner to settle scheme for the administration of Charitable endowments and to decide certain other disputes.-
4. (1) When the Deputy Commissioner has reason to believe that in the interest of the proper administration of Charitable endowments or a endowment attached to any notified institution or declared institution, a scheme shall be settled for such endowment or when not less than five persons having interest make an application in writing stating that in the interest of the proper administration of the endowment, a scheme shall be settled for it, the Deputy Commissioner shall on consultation with the Trustee or the Committee of Management or the persons having interest and if, after such consultation he is satisfied that is it necessary or desirable to do so, he shall by order, settle a scheme of administration of such Charitable endowment or endowment.
5. (2) The scheme settled under this section for the administration of Charitable endowments may include certain provision for,-
   • (i) constitution of a body for the purpose of assisting in the administration of such Charitable endowments;
   • (ii) the method of selection of members for such committee from the persons having interest in such endowments;
   • (iii) defining the powers and duties of the committee;
6. (3) The Deputy Commissioner may determine the properties of the endowment and the list of such properties shall be appended to the scheme as a schedule.
7. (4) The Deputy Commissioner may at anytime after consulting trustees or committee by order modify or cancel any scheme in respect of an endowment which is in force and settled under sub-section
8. (1) or any scheme in force settled or modified by any courts or any earlier enactments: Provided that such cancellation or modification of a scheme in force settled or modified earlier shall be made only subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be imposed by the Deputy Commissioner.
9. (5) If the Deputy Commissioner is satisfied that any such scheme referred to in sub-section
10. (1) is inconsistent with the provisions of this Act and rules made thereunder he may, at anytime modify it in such a manner as may be necessary to bring it into conformity with the provisions of this Act and rules made there under.
11. (6) Whenever any question arises as to,-
    • (i) whether a particular property is the property of a notified institutions or declared institution under the Act; or
    • (ii) whether any property or money is either a religious endowment or specific endowment; or
    • (iii) whether any Archak or temple servant holds or held an office in any notified institution or declared institution on the basis of a hereditary right; or
    • (iv) whether any person is entitled by custom or otherwise to any honour, emolument or perquisite in any religious institution; and what is the existing usage of a notified or declared institution; or
    • (v) whether any institution or endowment is wholly or partly of a religious or of secular character and whether any property or money has been given wholly or partly for religious or secular purpose; or
    • (vi) where any property or money has been given for the support of an institution which is partly of a religious and partly of a secular character or the performance of any service or charity connected with such an institution or the performance of a charity which is partly of a religious and partly of a secular character or where any property or money given is appropriated partly to religious and partly to secular purposes, as to what portion of such property or money shall be allocated to religious purpose; or
    • (vii) to accord sanction of dittam and seva list in respect of notified institutions having gross annual income of rupees one lakh and above but below Rupees ten lakhs; or
    • (viii) any dispute between the servant of a notified institution and the committee of management.
      • • the Deputy Commissioner after hearing the parties concerned shall by order decide it.
12. (7) Any person aggrieved by any order passed by the Deputy Commissioner under any of the foregoing provisions, shall appeal within one month of the date of receipt of the order to the Commissioner.
13. (8) The Commissioner may after hearing the aggrieved person and other contending parties, pass appropriate order in accordance with law."

Amendment of section 26.- In section 26 of the principal Act,-

1. (1) in sub-section (1), for the words "prescribed authority", the words "Rajya Dharmika Parishat or Zilla Dharmika Parishat as the case may be" shall be substituted;
2. (2) for sub-section (4), the following shall be substituted, namely:- “(4) in case of notified institutions managed by more than one hereditary trustee or founder trustee, the chairman shall be elected in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed.”

Amendment of section 28.- in section 28 of the principal Act,-

1. (1) in sub-section (1),-
   • (a) for the words "prescribed Authority", the words "Rajya Dharmika Parishat or Zilla Dharmika Parishat as the case may be” shall be substituted; and
   • (b) after the words "committee of Management", the words "including a member or hereditary trustee" shall be inserted;
2. (2) in sub-section (2),-
   • (a) for the words "prescribed Authority", the words "the Rajya Dharmika Parishat or the Zilla Dharmika Parishat as the case may be" shall be substituted; and
   • (b) after the words "committee" wherever they occur, the words "including a member or hereditary trustee" shall be inserted;
3. (3) in sub-section (3),-
   • (a) for the words "prescribed Authority", the words "Rajya Dharmika Parishat or Zilla Dharmika Parishat as the case may be" shall be substituted; and
   • (b) after the words, "committee" the words "including a member or hereditary trustee" shall be inserted;
4. (4) sub-section
5. (4) shall be omitted.

Amendment of section 29.- In section 29 of the principal Act,-

1. (a) for the words "prescribed Authority", the words "the Rajya Dharmika Parishat or the Zilla Dharmika Parishat" shall be substituted; and
2. (b) the following proviso shall be inserted at the end, namely:- " Provided that for the reasons to be recorded in writing the Rajya Dharmika Parishat or Zilla Dharmika Parishat, by order extend the said period by any further period, not exceeding six months at a time. So however, the said period shall not exceed one year in total."

Amendment of section 30.- In section 30 of the principal Act, for the words “prescribed authority”, the words “the Rajya Dharmika Parishat or the Zilla Dharmika Parishat as the case may be” shall be substituted.

Amendment of section 31.- For section 31 of the principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely:- “31. Survey and publication of lands and other property of Notified Institutions.-

1. (1) The State Government may, by notification, appoint an Endowment Survey Officer and as many Assistant Endowment Survey Officers as may be necessary for the purpose of making survey of all the properties of the notified institutions in the State.
2. (2) All the Assistant Endowment Survey Officers shall perform their functions under the general supervision and control of Endowment Survey Officers.
3. (3) The Endowment Survey Officer shall, after making such enquiry, as he may consider necessary, submit his report in respect of the properties of every notified institutions or any part thereof to the State Government through the Endowment Commissioner containing the following particulars, namely:-
   • (a) the Survey number, extent, assessment of the each property of the notified institution;
   • (b) nature and description of the property with the object, if any;
   • (c) the income derived from each property to the notified institution;
   • (d) such other particulars relating to the property as may be prescribed.
4. (4) The endowment Survey Officer shall while making any enquiry with regard to any dispute have the same powers as are vested in a Civil Court under the code of civil procedure, 1908 in respect of the following matters, namely:-
   • (a) summoning and examining a witness;
   • (b) summoning and production of any document;
   • (c) requisitioning any public record from any office or any authority;
   • (d) issuing commission for examination of any witness or accounts or records;
   • (e) making any local inspection or local investigation;
   • (f) such other matters as may be prescribed.
5. (5) If during any such enquiry, any dispute arises as to whether a particular property is a property of notified institution or not it shall be decided after holding enquiry summoning the interested parties.
6. (6) The State Government may direct the Endowment Survey Officer to make a second or subsequent survey of particular property of the notified institution and while resurveying the property, he shall follow the procedure specified under sub-sections
7. (2) to (5).
8. (7) On the receipt a report under sub-section
9. (3) or sub-section (6), the State Government shall publish in the official Gazette the list of property of all the notified institutions on the date of commencement of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Act, 2011 or on subsequent dates to which the report relates containing such other particulars as may be prescribed.
10. (8) After publication of such list under sub-section (7), every notified institution shall maintain a register of movable and immovable properties of the institution including the lands, building vacant sites, structures, valuables such as gold, silver, idols, utensils, precious stones, articles of antique value, paintings, inscriptions on metal, palm leaves and such other movable properties and submit to the prescribed authority for approval.
11. (9) After approval of such register, the Committee of Management or Trustees or the Executive Officer shall scrutinize the entries in the register every year and submit to the prescribed authority, a verified statement showing the alterations, omissions or additions required in the register for approval.
12. (10) The prescribed authority on receipt of register or statement may verify or get it verified through local officers and after satisfying the entries made therein, may accord approval of the same.
13. (11) Any alienation or transfer by way of sale, lease, gift, mortgage or otherwise of any land or other immovable property granted to or belonging to a notified institution and any act purporting to create any interest adverse to such institution in respect of such land or property shall be null and void unless such alienation or transfer is in the best interest of the institution and unless it is sanctioned under section 62.
14. (12) No articles of gold, silver or white metal, idols, utensils, precious stones, articles of antique value, paintings, ancient documents containing inscription on stone, metal and palm leaves and such other movable shall be disposed of in any manner without the permission of the State Government granted based on the report of the Commissioner.”

Substitution of section 33.- For section 33 of the Principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely:- “33. Suits on behalf of notified institutions.- Where it is necessary to institute a suit or appeal or proceedings in any Court of law or authority , the Committee of Management or the executive Officer duly authorized by the committee of management may file the suit by engaging Counsel with the prior approval of the prescribed Authority: Provided that if the Committee of Management fails to file a suit or an appeal, the Assistant Commissioner shall file the same with the approval of the prescribed Authority.”

Substitution of section 35.- For section 35 of the principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely:- “35. Applicability of the provisions of the Act.-

1. (1) Except section 41 and the provisions of Chapter VIII, nothing contained in this Act, is applicable to any religious institution or charitable endowment founded, organized, run or managed by religious denomination.
2. (2) Nothing contained in Chapter VII shall apply to a notified institution whose gross annual income does not exceed rupees one lakh’’."

Amendment of section 36.- In section 36 of the principal Act,-

1. (i) in sub-section (1), the words “before the Assistant Commissioner incharge of the Institution” shall be omitted;
2. (ii) in sub-section (2), in clause (c), after sub-clause (vi), the following shall be inserted, namely:- “(vii) the maintenance of educational Institutions owned and controlled by the notified institutions;
3. (viii) irrespective of the category of notified institutions, the diversion of surplus fund not exceeding ten percent of the surplus fund for religious, charitable, educational, religious discourse and for any other purpose, the object of which is to preach Dharma and Cultural value duly obtaining sanction from the Commissioner.”
4. (iii) for sub-section (3), the following shall be substituted, namely:- “(3) for the payment of contribution to the common pool fund as provided under section 17.”
5. (iv) in sub-section (4),-

1. (a) in clause (i), for the words “rupees one lakh”, the words “rupees five lakhs” shall be substituted;
2. (b) in clause (ii), for the words “more than rupees one lakh but not more than rupees ten lakhs”, the words “more than rupees five lakhs but not more than twenty-five lakhs” shall be substituted;
3. (c) for clause (iii), for the words “rupees ten lakhs”, the words “rupees twenty-five lakhs” shall be substituted."

Amendment of section 37.- In section 37 of the principal Act, , in sub-section

1. (2) after the proviso, the following proviso shall be inserted, namely:- “ Provided further that no audit fee shall be levied and collected if the accounts of the notified or declared institution are audited by the State Accounts Department.”

Substitution of section 53.- For section 53 of the principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely:- “53. Registration of temples.-

1. (1) The Trustee, the Manager or any other person in charge of the Management of any temple, endowment other than temples notified under section 23 of the Act shall within ninety days from the date of commencement of the Karnataka Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Act, 2011 make an application for its registration to the Assistant Commissioner within whose jurisdiction such temple is situated: Provided that the Assistant Commissioner may for sufficient reasons to be recorded, extend time for making application.
2. (2) Every application made under sub-section
3. (1) shall contain the following particulars, namely:-
   • (i) The history and origin of the temple, its nature and the determination, if any.
   • (ii) Name of the founder, the name of past and present trustees.
   • (iii) Particulars of institutions or endowments and the scheme of administration, decree or any other record of the rights pertaining to the establishment of the institution.
   • (iv) Particulars of immovable and movable properties including jewels, gold, silver, precious stone, vessels, utensils belonging to the temple with estimated value and the securities, funds and annual income derived out of it.
4. (3) On receipt of application, the Assistant Commissioner shall after making such enquiry as he thinks fit, and on hearing the person having interest, pass an order for its registration and grant certificate to that effect containing the particulars furnished in the application with any alteration made by him as a result of his enquiry.
5. (4) The particulars relating to every temple contained in the certificate of registration granted under sub-section (3), shall be entered in register of temples maintained by the Assistant Commissioner, in respect of all institutions registered and one copy of entries made in the register, pertaining to every institution shall be furnished to the Deputy Commissioner and to the Commissioner.
6. (5) Where any trustee or other person incharge of the temple fails to apply for the registration of the temple, Assistant Commissioner shall give notice to such trustee or other person interested to make an application within the specified period and if he fails to make such an application within a period specified, the Assistant Commissioner may have the temple registered after following the procedure as may be prescribed and recover the cost incurred for such registration from the funds of the temple. ”

Amendment of section 63.- In section 63 of the principal Act, in sub-section (1), after the words “the Assistant Commissioner or the Deputy Commissioner” wherever they occur, the words “the Committee of management or the executive officer” shall be inserted.

Insertion of section 63A.- After section 63 of the principal Act, the following shall be inserted, namely:-

“63A. Appeal to the Rajya Dharmika Parishat and appeal against its order.-

1. (1) Any person aggrieved by the order of Rajya Dharmika Parishat in exercise of its original jurisdiction may prefer an appeal to High Court on a substantial question of law.
2. (2) Any person aggrieved by the orders passed by the Zilla Dharmika Parishat under any of the provisions of this Act may appeal to the Rajya Dharmika Parishat within a period of thirty days from the date of the order. The Rajya Dharmika Parishat shall after giving notice to all the concerned parties and on hearing both the parties pass orders in accordance with law. 63B. Review by the Government.- The State Government may call for and examine the records of any proceedings or order passed by the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner for the purposes of satisfying itself as to the correctness, legality or propriety of any order or proceeding and may after giving reasonable opportunity to the interested persons to be heard and pass such order in respect thereof as deems fit.”

Amendment of section 66.- In section 66 of the principal Act, after the words ‘in holding enquiries under this Act’ the words “Rajya Dharmika Parishat, Zilla Dharmika Parishat and” shall be inserted.

Insertion of new Section 69A, 69B, 69C and 69D.- After section 69 of the principal Act, the following shall be inserted, namely:-

“69A. Abolition of share in hundi and other income of the temple.- Notwithstanding anything contained in any judgement, decree or or order of any court, tribunal or any authority or in any scheme, custom, usage or agreement or in any manual prepared by any institution or in any deed, sannad, order of the Government to the contrary governing any religious or charitable institution or endowment, any share which is payable or being paid or given or allowed at the commencement of the Karnataka Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (Amendment) Act, 2011 to any trustee, Dharmadarshi, Dharmakartha, Muthavalli or any office holder or servant including an archak or mirasidar or mujavar in the hundi or in kanike or in other income of the institution shall not have share except the seva commission and thatte kaasu.

69B. Bar from collecting fund on behalf of notified institutions or declared institutions.-

1. (1) No individual, organisation, Seva Samithi or development committee registered or not, shall be entitled to collect seva fund or donation for any purpose in the name of the notified or institution or declared institution unless it is sanctioned by the prescribed authority.
2. (2) The prescribed authority is competent to hold enquiry under section 50 and pass orders on the complaint received from any devotee or public about the unauthorised collection of fund in the name of any notified or declared institution, including the order to confiscate and to credit such fund to the account of the concerned institution.” 69C. Fixing the standard scales of expenditure.-
3. (1) The Committee of Management of a notified institution may from time to time submit proposal to the prescribed authority fixing the dittam or scale of expenditure in the institution and the amount which would be allotted to the various viniyogas connected with such institution with the details of custom, practice, usage and rituals prevailing in the institution as may be prescribed within six months from the date of commencement of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Act, 2011.
4. (2) The prescribed authority on receipt of such proposal, after satisfying itself of the correctness of the proposal may accord approval of the same or it may return the proposal with such observation to the Committee of Management seeking additional information if any and the Committee shall furnish the required information to the satisfaction of the prescribed authority which will accord approval with such restrictions as it may deem fit depending on the income of the institution. 69D. Constitution of Architectural Committee.-
5. (1) The State Government may constitute for the state, a committee called Architectural committee consisting of the following members, namely:-
   • (i) An officer of the rank of the Superintending Engineer of the Department of Architecture appointed by the Government shall be the Ex-officio Chairman
   • (ii) The Chairman of the Shilpakala Parishat Member
   • (iii) One Stapathi nominated by the State Government Member
   • (iv) One Agama expert nominated by the State Government Member
   • (v) One Vaastu expert nominated by the State Government Member
6. (2) The term of the members other than the Chairman of the Architectural Committee shall be three years.
7. (3) The age, qualification of the members and the powers and functions of the Architectural Committee shall be such as may be prescribed.”

Amendment of section 71.- In section 71 of the principal Act, after the words “all cost charges and expenses incurred by”, the words “the Rajya Dharmika Parishat or the Zilla Dharmika Parishat or” shall be inserted.

Amendment of section 72.- In section 72 of the principal Act, after the words “including the High Court”, the words “wherever not specified” shall be inserted.

Amendment of section 73.- In section 73 of the principal Act, after the words “any Appeal, Application or other proceedings before”, the words “the Rajya Dharmika Parishat or the Zilla Dharmika Parishat or” shall be inserted.

Amendment of section 76.- In section 76 of the principal Act, in sub-section (2), for clause (t), the following shall be substituted, namely:-

“(t) the management and preservation, development of properties of notified institutions including formation of Development Committee;

1. (u) regulating right of conduct of temple yakshagana melas and auction of various rights during Jathra etc., such as mudi, manure, shops etc.;
   • (v) formation of State Level architectural Committee for according approval for the construction, renovation, repairs and reconstruction of temples;
2. (w) powers and functions of the Management Committee and executive Officers;
   • (x) any other matter which has to be or may be prescribed under this Act.”