The Maharashtra Devdasi System (Abolition) Act, 2005
The Maharashtra Devdasi System (Abolition) Act, 2005
General200522 sections
This Act bans the dedication of women as Devdasis throughout Maharashtra, declaring the practice unlawful despite any prior customs. It applies specifically to this state, aiming to eradicate a system that has historically involved deep exploitation and servitude. By nullifying dedications, the law protects vulnerable women from social abandonment and forced religious service. Furthermore, it recognizes the validity of marriages entered into by Devdasis and provides legal rights to their children, ensuring inheritance and legitimacy even in non-traditional family structures.
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
- 2. Definitions.
- 3. Dedication as Devdasi unlawful.
- 4. Marriage of Devdasi.
- 5. Control Board.
- 6. Powers, functions and duties of Control Board.
- 7. Disqualification and removal of nominated members.
- 8. Constitution of District Committee.
- 9. Powers, functions and duties of District Committee.
- 10. Devdasi Prevention Officers.
- 11. Offences and penalties.
- 12. Cognizance of offence.
- 13. Limitation not to apply for taking cognizance.
- 14. Procedure to be followed in tiral.
- 15. Copy of information by police to be forwarded to District Committee.
- 16. Copy of judgment to be forwarded to District Committee.
- 17. Publication of fact of conviction, etc.
- 18. Public servants.
- 19. Protection of action taken in good faith.
- 20. Power to make rules.
- 21. Removal of difficulty.
- 22. Repeal and saving.
PDF: pending for this language.