The Telangana Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1988
The Telangana Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1988
General198812 sections
This law, enacted in Telangana, makes the traditional practice of dedicating women to temples or deities illegal. It declares such dedications void and invalidates any local customs that label women as prostitutes or prevent them from marrying. The legislation ensures that women who have been dedicated can enter into valid marriages and have legitimate children. To enforce the ban, the government empowers revenue officers to investigate and stop these practices. Anyone who performs, promotes, or abets such dedications faces imprisonment and fines, with stricter penalties for relatives involved in the ceremony.
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
- 2. Definitions.
- 3. Dedication as Devadasi to be un-lawful.
- 4. Marriage of Devadasis.
- 5. Penalties.
- 6. Punishment for propagation.
- 7. Powers to be conferred on Collector.
- 8. Duties of Collector and other officers.
- 9. Offences to be tried by Executive Magistrates.
- 10. Offences under the Act to be cognizable and non-bailable.
- 11. Power to make rules.
- 12. Repeal and saving.
PDF: pending for this language.