Vidhi Codex

The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (Special Provisions) Act, 1996

The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (Special Provisions) Act, 1996

Civil19964 sections

This law ordered all non-hereditary trustees of Hindu religious institutions in Tamil Nadu to immediately vacate their offices on June 26, 1996. To maintain proper administration until new trustees were appointed under the principal 1959 legislation, the Act transferred managerial functions to existing hereditary trustees, executive officers, or designated state endowment department officials. Outgoing trustees were required to promptly surrender all records, accounts, and temple properties, with failure to comply carrying criminal penalties including imprisonment or fines. By standardizing interim management and ensuring accountability during leadership transitions, the law protects temple assets and maintains orderly governance over religious endowments.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 1. Short title and commencement
  2. 2. Non-hereditary trustees to cease to hold office
  3. 3. Filling up of vacancies of the office of non-hereditary trustees
  4. 4. Repeal

PDF: pending for this language.