ENARADA, Belagavi, December 20, 2014
In a major development which may upset Hindus, Government of Karnataka has introduced a bill to amend ‘The karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act’ hurriedly. The bill was introduced in the winter assembly session in Belagavi today, the last day of session.
The opposition party BJP has termed the sudden move by the Congress Government as a hidden agenda to take over mutts in the State. BJP announced it would launch state wide agitation against the bill.
Reacting to Government’s clandestine move, Jagadish Shettar, Opposition leader in the Assembly, said the controversial bill was introduced in a hurry without bringing to the knowledge of the opposition party and if the bill becomes an act, the government can take over big mutts and religious organisations in the State.
“The way bill was introduced gives rise to suspicion as none of us were informed about it nor were we provided a copy of it. Seers of all mutts will protest against this legislation as it empowers government to take over the possession and management of any mutt by issuing a showcase notice merely based on complaints from disciples,” said Shettar.
Many traditional mutts across the state including Hubballi’s Moorusavira mutt which is embroiled in a controversy over succession issue will be in trouble as the new bill allows state Government to step in and take over mutts immediately.
According to the legislation, the Government can take over mutt if the head of the mutt is physically or mentally unable to manage to affairs of mutt or dies without appointing successor or if there is a conflict regarding right of succession.
Government can also do it if the head of mutt simply writes a letter to the Government to take over mutt.
