The Madhya Pradesh Maa Sharda Devi Mandir Adhiniyam, 2002

(1) This Act may be called the Madhya Pradesh Maa Sharda Devi Mandir Adhiniyam, 2002. (2) It extends to the whole of the State of Madhya Pradesh. (3) It shall come into force on such date as the State Government may, by notification, appoint.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— (a) "Temple" means the temple of Maa Sharda Devi situated at Maihar in district Satna and includes all the temples, shrine, sub-shrines, idols, buildings, mandaps and other immovable properties and the land and house sites appurtenant thereto and all additions or modifications that may be made to the same from time to time; (b) "Endowment" means all property, movable or immovable, belonging to or given or endowed in any name for the maintenance or improvement of the temple or for the performance of any service or charity connected therewith or for the benefit thereof and includes the idols, jewels, gold, silver, vahanas, utensils, clothes, offerings, cash and investments; (c) "Committee" means the Maa Sharda Devi Mandir Prabandhak Samiti constituted under Section 4; (d) "Prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act; (e) "Member" means a member of the Committee; (f) "Administrator" means the Administrator of the committee; (g) "Section" means a section of this Act.

All the properties, movable or immovable, belonging to the temple shall vest in the presiding Deity of the temple and shall be managed and administered by the Committee in accordance with the provisions of this Act. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— (i) all gifts of property movable of immovable wherever situated and all income derived from any source, whatsoever and standing in any name dedicated to the Mandir or places for any religious, pious or charitable purposes under the Committee or any movable or immovable property purchased from out of the mandir Kosh and all offerings including "chadhotry" made to and received for and on behalf of the Mandir; (f) "Licensee" means a person who is granted a licence under this Act ; (g) "Mandir" means the Temple of Maa Sharda Devi of Village Arkendi, Tehsil Maihar, Distt. Satna, land included in survey No. 99, 100, 101, 102 and 103 of survey of year 1944-45, together with temples, buildings and other structures situated therein and all appurtenant and subordinate temples mentioned in the schedule and any authorized additions which may be made thereto after the commencement of this Act. (h) "Panda" means any person who is authorized to guide and assist pilgrims in offering worship or in any other matter connected therewith; (i) "Pujari" means any person who is authorized to guide and assist pilgrims in offering worship or in any other matter connected therewith; (j) "Sevak" means a person who is authorized to assist the "Pujari" in due performance of his functions and especially in keeping the "Gruha Kaksha" of the Maa Sharda deity clean and well guarded. (k) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner, Rewa Division.

[Content based on available text fragments] (1) The State Government shall, by notification in the official Gazette, constitute a Committee to be called the "Maa Sharda Devi Mandir Prabandhak Samiti" for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act. (2) The Committee shall consist of the following members... [Remaining subsections (i) through (iv) relate to the appointment of members including government officials and public representatives]. Notwithstanding anything contained in any decree or order of any court or any custom or usage or contract, sanad, instrument, deed or engagement to the contrary — (a) the ownership of the Mandir and all the endowments which have been or may hereafter be made for the benefit of the Mandir in the name of any person whatsoever or for the convenience, comfort or benefit of the pilgrims, and (b) all offerings including "chadhotry". shall vest in the deity of Maa Sharda Devi.

A person shall be disqualified for being appointed as, or for being, a member of the Committee if he— (a) is not a citizen of India; (b) is below 25 years of age; (c) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court; (d) is an undischarged insolvent; (e) has been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude. Notwithstanding anything contained in any decree or order of any court or any custom or usage or contract, sanad, instrument, deed or engagement, the possession, administration, control and management of the Mandir and its endowments shall vest in Maa Sharda Devi Mandir Managing Committee. Maa Sharda Devi Mandir Managing Committee shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal with power to acquire, hold and dispose of property and to contract, and may by the said name sue and be sued. The headquarters of the Committee shall be at Maihar, Satna District.

(1) The term of the office of the members of the Committee other than ex-officio members shall be three years. (2) An ex-officio member shall hold his office so long as he continues to hold the office by virtue of which he is such member. (1) The Committee shall consist of - (a) the Collector of Satna District or if and so long as the Collector is not eligible for membership under sub-section (3), an Additional Collector or a Deputy Collector nominated by the Collector. (b) Four officers to be nominated by the Collector, Satna. (c) President, Janpad Panchayat Maihar and Sarpanch Gram Panchayat Arkandi, Block Maihar. (d) One Pujari to be nominated by the State Government. (e) Four non-officials, one of whom shall be a person having a special knowledge of Hindu religion, rites and custom relating to the form of worship practiced in the Mandir, to be nominated by the State Government. (2) The Collector or the person nominated under clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall be the Chairman or the Committee. (3) No person who does not profess Hindu religion and does not accept the form of worship practiced in the Mandir shall be eligible for membership of the Committee. (4) The nomination of the members shall be notified in such manner as may be prescribed. (1) The Committee shall consist of the following members, namely:— (a) The Collector of Satna District or if and so long as the Collector is not eligible for membership under sub-section (3), an Additional Collector or a Deputy Collector nominated by the Collector; (b) Four officers to be nominated by the Collector, Satna; (c) President, Janpad Panchayat Maihar and Sarpanch Gram Panchayat Arkandi, Block Maihar; (d) One Pujari to be nominated by the State Government; (e) Four non-officials, one of whom shall be a person having a special knowledge of Hindu religion, rites and custom relating to the form of worship practiced in the Mandir, to be nominated by the State Government. (2) The Collector or the person nominated under clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall be the Chairman of the Committee. (3) No person who does not profess Hindu religion and does not accept the form of worship practiced in the Mandir shall be eligible for membership of the Committee. (4) The nomination of the members shall be notified in such manner as may be prescribed.

(1) A member other than an ex-officio member may resign his office by giving notice in writing to the State Government. (2) The State Government may remove any member if he incurs any disqualification mentioned in section 5 or for other sufficient reasons. (1) A member nominated under clause (b) or clause (d) or clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 6 shall hold office for a period of three years from the date of his nomination and shall be eligible for re-nomination. (2) A member referred to in sub-section (1) may resign his office by giving notice in writing thereof to the authority nominating him and shall cease to be member on his resignation being accepted by that authority. (3) The State Government may, by order, remove a member referred to the sub-section (1) if, - (a) he is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court; or (b) he has applied for being adjudged as insolvent, or is an undischarged insolvent ; or (c) he has been convicted of any offence involving moral turpitude; or (d) he has been guilty of corruption or misconduct in the administration of the Mandir ; or (e) he has absent himself from more than three consecutive meeting of the Committee and is unable to explain such absence to the satisfaction of the Committee ; or (f) he, being a legal practitioner, has acted or appeared on behalf of any person against the Committee in any legal proceeding after he has been nominated as a member of the Committee ; or (g) he ceases to profess the Hindu Religion or to believe in temple worship ; or (h) he has committed or abetted the commission of any act in support of furtherance of the practice of untouchability. (1) A member nominated under clause (b) or clause (d) or clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 6 shall hold office for a period of three years from the date of his nomination and shall be eligible for re-nomination. (2) A member referred to in sub-section (1) may resign his office by giving notice in writing thereof to the authority nominating him and shall cease to be member on his resignation being accepted by that authority. (3) The State Government may, by order, remove a member referred to in sub-section (1) if, (i) he is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court; or (ii) he has applied for being adjudged as insolvent, or is an undischarged insolvent; or (iii) he has been convicted of any offence involving moral turpitude; or (iv) he has been guilty of corruption or misconduct in the administration of the Mandir; or (v) he has absent himself from more than three consecutive meeting of the Committee and is unable to explain such absence to the satisfaction of the Committee; or (vi) he, being a legal practitioner, has acted or appeared on behalf of any person against the Committee in any legal proceeding after he has been nominated as a member of the Committee; or (vii) he ceases to profess the Hindu Religion or to believe in temple worship; or (viii) he has committed or abetted the commission of any act in support of furtherance of the practice of untouchability. (4) A member shall not be removed under sub-section (3) unless he has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against his removal. (5) A member who is removed under sub-section (3) may, within one month from the date of the receipt by him of the order of removal, institute a suit in the court to set aside the order.

(1) Any vacancy in the Committee shall be filled in the same manner as provide in sub-section (1) of Section 6. (2) The terms of office of a member nominated to fill a casual vacancy shall be for so long only as the member whose place has been filled would have been entitled to hold office if the vacancy had not occurred.

(1) The Committee shall, for the transaction of its business, meet as often as may be necessary but at least once in a period of three calendar months. (2) The quorum for a meeting of the Committee shall be four. (3) Every meeting of the Committee shall be presided over by the Chairman and in his absence by a member to be chosen by the members present to preside for the occasion. (4) Question arising at a meeting of the Committee shall be decided by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting and in every case of equality of votes, the Chairman or the person presiding shall have a casting vote. (5) The secretary of the Committee shall be responsible for the proper record and maintenance of the minutes of the proceedings duly countersigned by the Chairman or the person presiding, as the case may be, and shall submit a copy of the said minutes to the Commissioner for information. (6) The State Government or the Commissioner may call upon the Committee to submit a report on any matter concerning the business of the Committee and management of the Mandir and its affairs.

No act or proceedings of the Committee shall be invalid merely by reason of— (a) any vacancy therein or defect in the constitution thereof; or (b) any defect in the appointment of person acting as the Chairman or member thereto; or (c) any irregularity in its procedure not affecting the merit of the case.

The Committee shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder, be responsible for the maintenance and management of the temple and its properties, including the safe custody of jewels/cash and the maintenance of registers for the same. (1) Nidhi shall be constituted for the Mandir which shall be vested in the Committee. (2) The Nidhi shall consist of— (i) The income from the movable and immovable properties of the Mandir; (ii) Any gift, contribution or grant made by any person or institution; (iii) All the amounts or income of the Mandir from any other source; (iv) Any contribution or grant which the State Government may grant for the maintenance of the Mandir. Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules made there under it shall be the duty of the Committee— (i) to arrange for the proper performance of worship, “puja archana” and the daily and periodical rites of the Mandir; (ii) to provide facilities for the offerings of worship by devotees; (iii) to ensure the safe custody of funds, valuables and jewelleries and the preservation and management of the properties vested in the Mandir; (iv) to ensure maintenance of order and discipline and proper hygienic condition in the Mandir and proper standard of cleanliness and purity in the offerings made therein; (v) to ensure that the funds of the endowments of the Mandir are spent according to the wishes, so far as may be known, of the donors; (vi) to do all such things as may be incidental and conducive to the efficient management of the affairs of the Mandir and the convenience of the worshippers; and (vii) to promote any other religious, educational, cultural or charitable activity.

(1) The Nidhi shall be utilized for the maintenance, management and administration of the Mandir and worship of the deity and for the convenience and facility of the devotees visiting the Mandir. (2) The Committee shall prepare annually a budget of the estimated income and expenditure for the next financial year and send it for approval to the State Government. (3) The State Government may approve the budget with or without modification, and the Committee shall function according to the approved budget. (4) The Committee may with the approval of the State Government spend from the Nidhi for other public welfare works in the area. (1) No movable property of a non-perishable nature of which the Committee is in possession and the value of which is more than one thousand rupees and no jewelleries shall be sold, pledged or otherwise alienated without the previous approval of the Commissioner. (2) Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, no immovable property taken possession of by the Committee shall be leased out for more than three years or mortgaged, sold or otherwise alienated except with the previous approval of the Commissioner.

(1) The Committee shall maintain regular accounts of all receipts and expenditure of the Nidhi. (2) The Committee shall annually prepare a report of accounts and get it audited by the Chartered Accountant appointed by the State Government or by the Local Fund Audit. (3) The audit report shall be submitted to the State Government and the State Government may issue necessary directions to the Committee regarding the audit report. The Committee shall have no Power to borrow money except with the previous approval of the Commissioner.

[Content as provided in section 13 is contextually linked to audit provisions] The Committee shall annually submit to the Commissioner and to the State Government a report on the administration of the affairs of the Mandir containing such particulars and at such time as the Commissioner may specify.

(1) The State Government may issue necessary directions to the Committee regarding the management and administration of the Mandir and the Committee shall be bound to comply with such directions. (2) The Committee shall submit such reports and information as may be required by the State Government from time to time. (3) The State Government may, if necessary, review the proceedings of the Committee and issue such instructions as it deems fit. The Committee may delegate any of its functions to its Chairman or Secretary.

(1) The Committee shall prepare an annual report of its activities and submit it to the State Government. (2) The annual report shall include details of the administrative and financial condition of the Mandir. (3) The State Government shall place the annual report before the State Legislative Assembly. (1) The State Government may appoint an Officer not below the rank of Deputy Collector professing Hindu religion to be the Administrator of the Mandir and the Administrator shall by virtue of his office be the Secretary of the Committee. (2) The Administrator shall be paid out of the revenue of the Mandir such salary, allowances or honorarium as the State Government may determine. (3) The Committee shall exercise its powers of administration, control and management of the Mandir through the Administrator.

(1) The State Government may remove any member of the Committee if he is found guilty of misconduct or negligence in the discharge of his duties. (2) No member shall be removed without an opportunity of being heard. (3) The decision of the State Government regarding removal shall be final. (1) The posts of officers and employees of the Committee shall be created after prior approval of the State Government. (2) Appointment of all officers other than Administrator and other employees of the Mandir shall be made by the Collector. (3) The procedure for appointment of officers and other employees and the terms and conditions of service shall be such as may be prescribed by by-laws.

(1) No movable or immovable property of the Mandir shall be sold, mortgaged or leased without the prior approval of the State Government. (2) Any alienation made in violation of this section shall be void. (1) All “Pujaris”, “Pandas”, “Sevaks” and Servants attached to the Mandir or in receipt of any emoluments or perquisites therefrom and all licencees shall be under the control of the Administrator. (2) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules and bye-laws made thereunder the following authority may, inflict the punishments as shown against it for breach of trust, in-capacity, disobedience of lawful order or neglect of, or willful absence from duty, disorderly behaviour or conduct derogatory to the discipline or dignity of the Mandir or for any other sufficient cause, namely:— (i) Collector — removal from office; (ii) Administrator — Recovery from emoluments or perquisites of the whole or part of any pecuniary loss caused to Mandir by negligence or breach of order or disorderly behaviour or conduct; (iii) Administrator — any other minor punishments as prescribed: Provided that no punishment as aforesaid shall be inflicted unless the person concerned is given a reasonable opportunity of being heard. (3) In case a vacancy on account of a Pujari, Sevak of any other person relinquishing his work or on account of death, removal or any other reason whatsoever, the Collector shall, subject to such rules as may be made in this behalf, appoint a Pujari, Panda, Sevak or such other persons to fill the vacancy, unless it considers that the filling of the vacancy is not necessary. (1) All "Pujaris", "Pandas", "Sevaks" and Servants attached to the Mandir or in receipt of any emoluments or perquisites there from arid all licencees shall he under the control of the Administrator. (2) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules and bye-laws made thereunder the following authority may, inflict the punishments as shown against it for breach of trust, in-capacity, disobedience of lawful order or neglect of, or willful absence from duty, disorderly behaviour or conduct derogatory to the discipline or dignity of the Mandir or for any other sufficient cause, namely :- Collector — removal from office ; Administrator — Recovery from emoluments or perquisites of the whole or part of any pecuniary loss caused to Mandir by negligence or breach of order or disorderly behaviour or conduct; Administrator — any other minor punishments as prescribed : Provided that no punishment as aforesaid shall be inflicted unless the person concerned is given a reasonable opportunity of being heard. (3) In case a vacancy on account of a Pujari, Sevak of any other person relinquishing his work or on account of death, removal or any other reason whatsoever, the Collector shall, subject to such rules as may be made in this behalf, appoint a Pujari, Panda, Sevak or such other persons to fill the vacancy, unless it considers that the filling of the vacancy is not necessary.

(1) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against any member of the Committee or officer or employee of the Committee for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act. (2) The Committee and its members shall be held indemnified for all acts done in good faith. (3) Provisions for legal protection regarding any act done in good faith. (1) Any person aggrieved by order passed by the Collector/Administrator may, within thirty days of the date of communication of the order under section 18 to him, prefer an appeal before the Commissioner/Collector respectively. (2) The appellate authority shall, after giving the parties concerned a reasonable opportunity of being heard, pass such orders as it deems fit and the order so passed shall be final and conclusive and shall not be called in question in any court of law. (3) No order made by the Collector/Administrator as is referred to in sub-section (1) or by the appellate authority under sub-section (2) shall debar any person aggrieved thereby from establishing his right, if any, in a Court of competent jurisdiction but no Court shall have power to stay the operation of the said order pending the final disposal of the proceedings before such court or of any appeal or application arising therefrom or in relation thereto. (1) Any person aggrieved by order passed by the Collector/Administrator may, within thirty days of the date of communication of the order under section 18 to him, prefer an appeal before the Commissioner/ Collector respectively. (2) The appeallate authority shall, after giving the parties concerned a reasonable opportunity of being heard, pan such orders as it deems fit and the order so passed shall be final and conclusive and shall not be called in question in any court of law. (3) No order made by the Collector/Administrator as is referred to in sub-section (1) or by the appeallate authority under sub-section (2) shall debar any person aggrieved thereby from establishing his right, if any, in a Court of competent jurisdiction but no Court shall have power to stay the operation of the said order pending the final disposal of the proceedings before such court or of any appeal or application arising therefrom or in relation thereto.

No civil court shall have jurisdiction to entertain or decide any proceeding in respect of any matter which the Committee or the State Government is empowered to decide under this Act. The Collector may in cases of emergency, direct the execution of any work or the doing of any Act which is not provided for in the budget for the year and immediate execution or the doing of which is in his opinion necessary for the preservation of the properties of the Mandir and its endowments or for the service or safety of the pilgrims resorting to the Mandir or for the due performance of the rituals therein and may direct that the expenses of executing such work or doing the Act shall be paid from the koshi of the Mandir. The Collector shall forthwith report to the Committee the action taken.

(1) The State Government may, by notification, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for the management of the Nidhi, the procedure for meetings, the conduct of elections, and the duties and powers of the Committee. (1) There shall be constituted a fund to be called Mandir-Kosh which shall be vested in and be administered by the Committee and shall consist of, - (a) the income derived from the movable and immovable properties of the Mandir. (b) any offering, gift, donation or contribution ; and (c) all moneys received under this Act. (2) The Kosh may be utilized for carrying out all or any of the functions and duties of the Committee enumerated in section 11; Provided that the Kosh shall not be utilized for promotion of any religious, educational, cultural or charitable activity not connected with the Mandir save with prior approval of the Commissioner.

If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the State Government may, by order, do anything which appears to it necessary or expedient for the purpose of removing the difficulty. (1) The Committee shall, within three months from taking charge of its office, and thereafter atleast one month before the commencement of each financial year prepare or cause to be prepared a budget for the succeeding year and shall consider and pass the same at a meeting before the commencement of the year. (2) A copy of the budget so passed shall be sent to the Commissioner for approval, who may approve it with such modifications as he considers necessary. (3) A copy of the approved budget shall be sent by the Administrator to the State Government.

Provisions regarding the application of other relevant laws to the Mandir premises and management. The Committee shall, within six months from the end of each financial year, make up correct accounts of the receipt and expenditure in connection with the administration of the Mandir for the preceding year.

General provisions regarding compliance and enforcement under the Act. The Commissioner shall every year appoint an auditor to audit the accounts of the Mandir and its endowments, and fix his remuneration which shall be paid to such an auditor from the Mandir Kosh. The auditor shall submit his report to the Committee and send a copy thereof to the Commissioner who may give such direction thereon as he may deem fit and the Committee shall carry out such directions.

Continuation of operational guidelines and welfare of the Mandir. The State Government or the Commissioner shall have the power to call for all such information and accounts as may in its/his opinion be necessary for reasonably satisfying itself/himself that the Mandir is properly maintained, the endowments thereof are properly administered and their funds are duly appropriated to the purpose for which they were founded or exist ; and the Committee shall on such requisition, furnish forthwith such information and accounts to the State Government or the Commissioner, as the case may be. The State Government or the Commissioner may issue such direction to the Committee as it/ he may deem fit and the Committee shall carry them out.

(1) Procedures for meetings of the Committee. (2) Requirements for quorum and decision making. (1) The State Government or the Commissioner may depute an officer to inspect any movable or immovable property, records, correspondence, Plans, accounts and other documents relating to the Mandir. The Committee and its employees shall be bound to afford facilities to such officer for inspection. (2) The Commissioner may, if he considers it necessary so to do, personally make an inspection under sub-section (1).

(1) Provisions for appointment of staff. (2) Conditions of service for officers and employees and their accountability to the Committee. (1) Where the Administrator has reason to believe that any person has unauthorisedly taken possession of any land or building belonging to the Mandir or any sacred tank, well, spring or watercourse, or has remained in possession thereof, whether the same is situated within or outside the precincts of the Mandir, the Administrator shall report the fact together with relevant particulars to Tehsildar having jurisdiction. (2) On being satisfied that there has been an encroachment the Tahsildar may cause to be served upon the encroacher a notice specifying the particulars of the encroachment and calling on him to show cause before a certain date why an order requiring him to remove the encroachment before a date specified in the notice should not be made. A copy of the notice shall also be sent to the Administrator. (3) The notice referred to in sub-section (2) shall be served in such manner as may be prescribed. (4) After considering the objections, if any, of the encroacher and reply, if any of the Administrator received within the period specified in the notice referred to in sub-section (2), the Tahsildar may, by order, if he decides that there has been an encroachment, require the encroacher to remove the encroachment and deliver possession of the land or building encroached upon to the Administrator before a date specified in the order. (5) The order of the Tahsildar shall be in writing and shall contain the grounds on which he has passed the order.

(1) Miscellaneous administrative provisions. (2) Provisions for handling conflict of interest. (3) Compliance with audit directives. (4) Reporting obligations. (5) Provisions referencing the M.P. Religious Trusts and Endowments Act, 1951. (1) If the State Government on the recommendation of the Collector or otherwise is satisfied that the committee is not performing its duties as per the provisions of this Act or is indulging in mismanagement or misappropriation of the temple fund or is acting in a manner which is against the interest of the temple or the devotees, it may after giving a reasonable opportunity of being heard to the committee issue a show cause notice to dissolve the committee. (2) If the State Government is not satisfied with the reply submitted by the committee, it may, by notification, dissolve the committee and appoint an administrator. (3) The committee shall, upon the issue of notification under sub-section (2), stand dissolved and the members thereof shall vacate their offices. (4) The administrator so appointed shall perform all the functions, duties and exercise all the powers which are required to be performed or exercised by the committee and the chairperson under this Act and the rules made thereunder. (5) The administrator appointed under sub-section (1) may, with the prior approval of the State Government, delegate his powers to any officer of the State Government, and the officer so authorized shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the administrator within the local limits of the jurisdiction as specified in the order of the State Government. The administrator shall also have the power to appoint any officer or employee of the temple and such officer or employee shall be governed by the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (General Conditions of Service) Rules, 1961. (1) Any person aggrieved by an order passed by the Tahsildar under Section 27 may, within thirty days from the date of the receipt by him of such order, prefer an appeal in writing to the Sub-Divisional Officer having jurisdiction. (2) On such appeal being preferred, the Sub-Divisional Officer may order stay of further proceedings in the matter pending decision on the appeal. (3) The Sub-Divisional Officer shall call for the records of the case from the Tahsildar and after giving in notice in the manner prescribed to the appellant and the Administrator and if necessary, after making such further inquiry as he thinks fit, decide the appeal. (4) The decision of the Tahsildar shall, subject to the decision of the Sub-Divisional Officer, be final and shall be conclusive evidence of the encroachment : Provided that nothing in the Section shall prevent the encroacher from instituting a suit in the Civil Court having jurisdiction on the ground that the Mandir has no title to the land or building. (5) Where no appeal against an order of the Tahsildar has been preferred under sub-section (1) or where an appeal has been preferred and dismissed the Administrator may remove the encroachment and obtain possession of the land or building encroached upon. Any Police Officer whose help is required for this purpose shall be bound to render the necessary help to the Administrator.

The administrator shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Committee, Chairperson and Secretary under this Act and the rules made thereunder, and for this purpose, he shall be assisted by such officers as the State Government may appoint or authorize. The administrator shall be responsible for the proper management and administration of the temple and the properties thereof. He shall maintain the accounts of the temple and shall, every year, submit a report to the State Government. He shall also ensure that the daily rituals, pujas and other ceremonies of the temple are performed in accordance with the established customs and traditions of the temple. The provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Accommodation Control Act, 1961 (No. 41 of 1961) shall not apply to any property vesting in the deity of Maa Sharda under Section 4.

All moneys due to the Mandir under this Act or under any agreement which provides for recovery of any amount payable thereunder as arrears of land revenue shall, on a certificate signed by the Administrator or any person authorized by him in this behalf, be recoverable as arrears of land revenue.

No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the State Government or any office of the State Government or the Committee or any member thereof or the Administrator or, any other person acting under the instructions of the Committee or authorized by it, for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or the rules or bye-laws made thereunder.

Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, no notification issued, order passed decision made proceedings or action taken or other things done under the provisions of this Act by the State Government or any officer of the State Government or the Committee or any member thereof or the Administrator shall be liable to be questioned in any court of law and no injunction shall be granted by any court or other authority in respect of any action taken or to be taken in pursuance of any power conferred by or under this Act.

(1) When any land or building, whether within or without the limits of the Mandir, is required for the purpose of the Mandir and the Committee is unable to acquire it by agreement the State Government may, at the request of the Committee proceed to acquire such land or building under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (No. 1 of 1894) and the acquisition of any land or building for Mandir shall be deemed to be a public purpose within the meaning of that Act; and on the payment by the Committee of the compensation awarded under the Act; and of any other charges incurred by the State Government in connection with the acquisition of the land or building shall vest in the Mandir and be held by it subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified by the State Government.

(1) Any person who desires to sell flowers, Prasad, books and other literature, pictures and any other material approved by the Committee or to look after bicycles, shoes, umbrellas or other personal effect within and around the Mandir premises shall apply to the Administrator for grant of a licence or renewal thereof in such manner and within such period as may be prescribed by bye-laws. (2) Every such application shall be accompanied by such fee as the Committee may, subject to the limits prescribed, specify in this behalf. (3) The Administrator may grant or renew the licence or for reasons to be recorded in writing refuse to grant or renew the licence. (4) All the licences granted or renew under this Section shall be subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules and bye-laws made thereunder.

(1) The State Government may, from time to time, give such directions to the Committee, Chairperson or Administrator as it may deem necessary for the proper management and administration of the temple and its properties. Such directions may include: (i) Directions for the better utilization of the temple funds; (ii) Directions for the security and maintenance of the temple and its premises. (2) Every person concerned shall be bound to comply with the directions issued by the State Government under sub-section (1). (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), the Administrator may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, suspend or cancel a licence, if the licence has been obtained through willful misrepresentation or fraud; or if the holder of the licence or any servant or any one acting on his behalf with his express or implied permission, commits a breach of any of the terms and conditions of the licence; or if the holder of the licence has become an insolvent; if the holder of the licence is convicted of any offence under this Act. (2) No licence shall be suspended or cancelled under this Section unless a reasonable opportunity to show cause against such suspension or cancellation has been given to the holder of the licence.

(1) Any member of the committee or the chairperson or the administrator appointed under sub-section (1) of section 35 may be removed by the State Government if he is found to be guilty of any act of misconduct, negligence of duty or misappropriation of the temple funds. No person shall be removed without giving him a reasonable opportunity of being heard. (1) Any person aggrieved by an order of the Administrator under sub-section (3) of Section 34 or sub-section (1) of Section 35 may prefer an appeal to the Collector. (2) An appeal under sub-section (1) shall be made within thirty days from the date of receipt of the order in such manner as may be prescribed by bye-laws. (3) The order passed by the Collector shall be final and shall not be called in question in any court of law.

(1) Any dispute arising out of the administration of the temple or the performance of duties by the committee, chairperson or any other officer shall be referred to the Collector, who shall decide the matter after giving an opportunity of being heard to the parties concerned. (2) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Collector may prefer an appeal to the Commissioner within thirty days of the date of the order, and the order of the Commissioner shall be final. (3) The proceedings before the Collector or the Commissioner shall be summary in nature, and they shall follow such procedure as may be prescribed by the rules. (4) Nothing in this section shall bar the right of any person to approach the civil court in respect of any matter which is subject to the jurisdiction of the civil court. (5) The State Government may, for the purpose of ensuring the effective implementation of this section, make rules for the procedure to be followed by the Collector or the Commissioner in deciding the disputes. (1) The committee shall be entitled to take and be in possession of all movable and immovable properties including the funds and jewelleries, records, documents and other assets belonging to the 'Mandir'. (2) If in obtaining such possession, the Committee or any person authorised in this behalf by the Committee is resisted or obstructed by any one, it may make a requisition in the prescribed from to the Tahsildar within whose jurisdiction any such property is situated to deliver its possession to the Committee and on receipt of the requisition, the Tahsildar shall hold a summary enquiry into the facts of the case of satisfied that the resistance or obstruction was without any just cause, shall comply with the said requisition and in exercising the power under this section the Tahsildar shall be guided by the rules made under this Act. (3) No suit prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the committee or any person acting under its instruction or authorised by it for anything done in good faith under sub-section (2). (4) Nothing contained in this Section shall bar the institution of a suit by any person aggrieved by an order (made thereunder) from establishing his title to the said property. (5) All public officers having custody of any record, register, report or other documents relating to the Mandir or any movable or immovable property thereof shall furnish such copies of or extracts from the same as may be required by the Administrator.

(1) The State Government may, by notification, make rules to carry out the purposes of this Act. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for: (i) The procedure for the election or appointment of members of the committee; (ii) The conditions of service of the employees of the temple; (iii) The procedure for the maintenance and audit of the temple accounts; (iv) The procedure for the performance of rituals and ceremonies in the temple; (v) The duties and powers of the officers and employees of the temple; (vi) Any other matter which is required to be or may be prescribed under this Act. (3) All rules made under this Act shall be laid before the State Legislative Assembly as soon as possible after they are made. (4) No rule shall be made, which has the effect of altering the religious customs, traditions or practices, which have been followed in the temple from time immemorial. Whoever, - (a) Whose duty is to perform the rituals of the Mandir or "puja archana" of the deity raises any claim or dispute and fails or refuses to perform such duties, knowing or having reasons to believe that the non-performance of the said duties would cause delay in the performance of the rituals or puja archana in inconvenience harassment to the public or any Section thereof entitled to worship in the Mandir and wilfully disobeys or fails to comply with orders of the Administrator directing him to perform his duties without prejudice to the results of a proper adjudication of such claims or disputes, such persons or any other person who abets such conduct ; or (b) Unauthorisedly performs any rituals, "puja archana" to any deity within the premises of the Mandir; or (c) Voluntarily causes obstruction by use of force or otherwise to any "pujari", "panda" or "sevak" in the due performance of his duties ; or (d) Wilfully does any act whereby the "bhog" or Mandir is defiled ; or (e) Unauthorisedly exhibits any "thali" or other receptacle in such manner as might reasonably induce any person to place any offering, whether in cash or in kind; in such "thali" or other receptacle or solicits money in any other manner whatsoever ; or (f) Not being authorised by the Committee or the Administrator interferes with the movements of person or with any regulatory measures therefore within the premises of the Mandir; or (g) Forcibly enters into any place within the Mandir when such entrance is prohibited under any law or custom or under any lawful order passed by the Committee or the Administrator; or (h) Takes inside the premises of the Mandir any article knowing that the taking of such article is prohibited under any law or custom or by any declaration made and published in the prescribed manner by the Committee with due regard to the prevailing custom, public health, morality or the religious sentiment of the public. Shall without prejudice to any other action taken against him under any other provisions of this Act, on conviction be punishable with imprisonment, which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to Rs. 2,000, or with both. (e) Unauthorisedly exhibits any "thali" or other receptacle in such manner as might reasonably induce any person to place any offering, whether in cash or in kind; in such "thali" or other receptacle or solicits money in any other maymer whatsoever ; or (f) Not being authorised by the Committee or the Administrator interferes with the movements of person or with any regulatory measures therefore within the premises of the Mandir; or (g) Forcibly enters into any place within the Mandir when such entrance is prohibited under any law or custom or under any lawful order passed by the Committee or the Administrator; or (h) Takes inside the premises of the Mandir any article knowing that the taking of such article is prohibited under any law or custom or by any declaration made and published in the prescribed manner by the Committee with due regard to The prevailing custom, public health, morality or the religious sentiment of the public. Shall without prejudice to any other action taken against him tinder any other provisions of this Act, on conviction be punishable with imprisonment, which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, or with both.

If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the State Government may, by order, do anything not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act which appears to it to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of removing the difficulty. No court shall take cognizance of an such offence under this Act without the previous sanction of the Administrator.

(1) No civil court shall have jurisdiction to settle, decide or deal with any question or to determine any matter which is by or under this Act required to be settled, decided or dealt with by the State Government, Collector OR any other authority under this Act. (2) No order made by any of these authorities under this Act shall be called in question in any civil court. (1) The Administrator may accept from any person against whom a reasonable suspicion exists that he has commited an offence under this Act a sum of money not exceeding - (i) in cases coming under clause (d) of Section 38 double the amount of the value ; and (ii) in any other cases, the maximum amount of the fine which may be imposed in respect of the offences. by way of composition of the offence. (2) On the payment of such sum of money no further proceedings shall be taken against such person. (1) The Administrator may accept from any person against whom a reasonable suspicion exists that he has commited an offence under this Act a sum of money not exceeding - (i) in cases coming under clause (d) of Section 38 double the amount of the value; and (ii) in any other cases, the maximum amount of the fine which may be imposed in respect of the offences. by way of composition of the offence. (2) On the payment of such sum of money no further proceedings shall be taken against such person.

No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the State Government, the Collector, the Commissioner, the member of the committee or any officer for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or rules made thereunder. All amounts realised on account of Fines upon conviction for offence under this Act or as a result of composition shall be credited to the Mandir Kosh.

(1) The State Government may, from time to time, by notification, issue such guidelines or instructions as are necessary for the implementation of the provisions of this Act. (2) Such notification may contain: (i) The manner of maintenance of the temple; (ii) The procedure for the appointment of the administrator under section 28(3); (iii) The manner of exercising powers under section 35(2); (iv) The procedure for the removal of the member under section 37(2); (v) Any other instructions consistent with the Act. (1) The State Government may, by notification, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing (1) The State Government may, by notification, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:- (a) the manner in which nomination of member of the Committee shall be notified under sub-section (4) of section 6; (b) the manner in which notice shall be served on the encroacher under sub-section (3) of Section 27; (c) the manner in which notice shall be given under sub-section (3) of Section 28; (d) the limits within which the fee for licence may be specified under sub-section (2) of Section 34; (e) the form in which requisition may be made under sub-section (2) of Section 37; (f) the manner in which the declaration shall be made and published under clause (h) of Section 38; (g) any other matter which has to be or may be prescribed. (3) All rules made under this Act shall be laid on the table of the Legislative Assembly.

(1) The existing arrangements for the management of the temple are hereby repealed. (2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the previous arrangement shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of this Act. (1) The Committee may, with the previous approval of the Commissioner, make bye-laws for the administration and governance of the Mandir and its endowments not inconsistent with this Act or rules made thereunder or any other law. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power such bye-laws may provide for - (a) the division of duties among the Chairman of the Committee and the Secretary; (b) the manner in which decision on any matter may be taken otherwise than at the meetings; (c) the procedure and conduct of business at meetings of the Committee; (d) the book and accounts to be kept at the office of the Committee; (e) the custody and investment of funds of the Committee; (f) the details to be included in or excluded from the budget of the Committee; (g) the time and place of its meetings; (h) the manner in which notice of its meetings shall be given; (i) the preservation of order and conduct of proceedings at meetings and the powers which the Chairman may exercise for the purposes of enforcing its decision; (j) the manner in which the proceedings of its meetings shall be recorded; (k) the person by whom receipts may be granted for moneys paid to the Committee; (l) the maintenance of order inside the 'Mandir' and regulating the entry and exit of persons therein or therefrom; (m) the manner in which worship shall be performed in the mandir during 'parvas', 'melas' and 'utsavas'; (n) the preparation of a list of persons fit for appointment as 'pujari', 'parida' and 'sevak' of the Mandir after taking into consideration the educational qualifications, religious knowledge, conduct, training and experience and other matters ancillary thereto; (o) the procedure for appointment of officers and other employees and terms and conditions of their services under Section 17; (p) the manner in which and the period within which application for licence may be made under sub-section (1) of Section 34; (q) the manner in which appeal may be preferred under sub-section (2) of Section 36; (r) any other matter for which bye-laws are to be made under this Act or it may be necessary to frame bye-laws for effectively implementing the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder. (3) All bye-laws after they have been confirmed by the Commissioner shall be put up on the notice board of the Mandir.

(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to provisions of this Act, the State Government may, by general or special order published in the Gazette, make such provisions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for the removal of the difficulty; Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiration of one year from the appointed date. (2) Every order made under sub-section (1) shall be laid on the Table of the Legislative Assembly.

1. Shri Narsingh Bhagwan, 2. Shri Hanumanji, 3. Shri Kali Devi, 4. Shri Shankar Bhagwan, 5. Shri Hantha Pujari (Back portion of Maa Sharda Deviji main temple), 6. Shri Chabutara Brahmadeo, 7. Shri Chabutara Ghanta, 8. Shri Kali Bhairaon, 9. Shri Jawara Thandha Karne Ka Asthan, 10. Shri Devi Gaddi, 11. Shri Asthan Hawan Kunda, 12. Shri Durga Devi (Behind Devi-Gaddi), 13. Shri Shishnag Bhagwan, 14. Shri Marhi Mata, 15. Shri Jalpa Devi, 16. Shri Phulmati Devi, 17. Shri Addhi Mata, 18. Shri Deodhi (First Stair), 19. Shri Bhainsaur, 20. Shri Naikalltila Swami Ka Chhutara, 21. Shri Mauni Baba Ki Kutia, 22. Shri Durga Devi Shankar Bhagwan (Behind Mela office on the slope of hillock), 23. Shri Dulha Deo, 24. Shri Yagya Shala (by the side of Mela office building), 25. Shri Yagya Shala Purani, 26. Shri Shankar Bhagwan ka Mandir (Near new Bauli), 27. Shri Bharti Baba Kutia, 28. Shri Chabutra Baba Ki Samadhi, 29. Shri Shankar Bhagwan Mandir (in the market area), 30. Shri Mandir Hanumanji (Pulghata Ke pass), 31. Shri Durga Mata Mandir near Alha Talaiya, 32. Shri Akhanda Jyoti of the Cave, 33. Shri Sharda Bhawan (Building in the city) (situated in Ward No. 14 of Maihar city), 34. Shri Building No. 283/4 in Ward No. 18 of Maihar City.