Transfer of lands appurtenant to or adjoining religious institutions prohibited except in special cases

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 34, no trustee of a religious institution shall lease or mortgage with possession or grant a licence for the occupation of— (a) any land belonging to the religious institution which is appurtenant to or adjoins the religious institution, or any sacred tank, well, spring or water course, appurtenant to the religious institution whether situated within or outside the precincts thereof, or (b) any space within or outside the prakarams, mantapams, courtyards or corridors of the religious institution ; Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply to the leasing or licensing of any such land or space for the purpose of providing amenities to pilgrims or of vending flowers or other articles used for worship or of holding for specified periods, fairs or exhibitions during festivals connected with the religious institution. (2) Any lease or mortgage with possession or licence in contravention of the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be null and void. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) or (2), the Commissioner may sanction the lease or mortgage with possession or granting of a licence for the occupation of any such land or space as is mentioned in sub-section (1) and situated outside the precincts of a religious institution for any purpose other than a purpose mentioned in the proviso to sub-section (1).