Why in the News?
- The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2024 to regulate temples in the state.
Key Features of the Bill
- Amends the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997.
- Government will collect 10% of the income from temples earning over ₹1 crore annually and 5% from temples earning ₹10 lakh-₹1 crore annually.
- The funds will be used for priest welfare and the development of temples with an income below ₹5 lakh.
Legal & Institutional Framework
- Article 25 (Freedom of Religion) allows state intervention in religious institutions.
- Article 26 grants religious groups the right to manage their affairs.
- Entry 28, List III (Concurrent List) empowers both the Centre and States to legislate on religious endowments.
- Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Acts in various states regulate temple administration
Temple Regulation in Colonial India
- Religious Endowments Act, 1863 – Established local temple management committees.
- Madras Hindu Religious Endowments Act, 1925 – Created a board of commissioners to oversee temples.
- Hindu Religious Endowments Commission, 1960 – Justified government control over temples to prevent mismanagement.
Arguments For & Against State Control of Temples
| Arguments For | Arguments Against |
| Ensures social reforms, ending hereditary priesthood. | Violates secularism, as other religions are not regulated. |
| Encourages marginalized representation in temple management. | Operational autonomy of temples is reduced. |
| Prevents mismanagement and funds misuse. | Leads to poor conservation of temple heritage. |
| Uses temple revenue for community welfare. | Temple funds are diverted away from religious purposes. |
Way Forward
- Separate religious & administrative functions to avoid interference in temple rituals.
- Temple network structure – Large temples should support smaller ones.
- Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) – A Temple Development and Promotion Corporation to manage temple infrastructure.
- Adopt best practices – Kerala’s Devaswom Board model for transparency.