State government takes back the notification on control of mutts and temples

Bengaluru: After seeking the public opinion to include various mutt-controlled religious institutions across the state under the Religious Endowment Department; the State Government on Thursday withdrew the notification.

Speaking at the Legislative Council, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah withdrew the notification soon after Opposition Leader K S Eshwarappa had expressed his unwillingness over the issue alleging that the circular has hurt the feelings of pontiffs of several mutts.

The notification comes into picture three years after the state government unsuccessfully listed the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2014. The Bill was cancelled after facing opposition from pontiffs of different mutts, who had threatened to take the issue to Congress high command to expel Siddaramaiah. Siddaramaiah said that the notification was issued after Supreme Court demanded it in 2005, after it struck down the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997.

The notification issued on January 29, had sought an opinion from various pontiffs, administrative committee members of various temples, priests and others.

Earlier, reacting to the government’s measures Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swami of Pejawar Mutt said that if the government takes charge of the Mutt he will leave the Mutt and continue to serve the society from elsewhere. He also said that he cannot be an government employee.

In his release Paryaya Palimaru seer Vidyadheesha Tirtha Swami stated that the government has its own responsibilities. Instead of doing them efficiently they are disturbing the smooth running of the religious organizations. The public will strongly oppose this. The government should not forget the past, when they burnt their hands when they tried to take over the Krishna Mutt, added the seer.

On Wednesday few BJP leaders protested at Vidhana Soudha by tearing the notification and calling the proposal as anti-Hindu. BJP leaders R Ashoka and CT Ravi said the government is following the path of colonial rulers by trying to get the power to intervene and take over mutts and temples.

A seven-member committee is currently suggesting comprehensive changes to the Act to bring mutts and temples under the purview of the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, popularly known as Muzrai Act. As per the legislation, the government can take over a mutt if the head of the institution voluntarily applies, or if the mutt has no successor or guardian or it is financially unable to manage the mutt or if there are complaints of mismanagement or irregularities.