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Synopsis

In a significant development, the controversial ‘Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Amendment Bill’ proposed by the Karnataka government to impose heavy taxes on temples with annual revenues exceeding Rs 1 crore, was defeated in the Legislative Council.

The defeat of the Karnataka government's bill in the Legislative Council was significantly influenced by the BJP's numerical superiority, holding 35 seats compared to the Congress's 30. The presence of 8 Janata Dal (Secular) members and one independent, with one seat vacant, further shaped the outcome.

The bill, which had been labeled by critics as ‘anti-Hindu’, was met with jubilant celebrations among BJP lawmakers, who chanted "Jai Sri Ram" in the council chamber following the vote. While the state government, led by Congress Leader Siddaramaiah, argued that the bill's intent was misunderstood and aimed at aiding temple administrations.

The BJP had mounted a scathing critique of the bill, raising several concerns, such as:

• Unfair targeting: The BJP argues that the tax unfairly targets Hindu temples, while institutions of other religions remain exempt. They view this as a discriminatory policy.
• Misuse of funds: The BJP expresses concerns about the potential misuse of collected funds, questioning the transparency and accountability mechanisms in place.
• Impact on charitable activities: Critics argue that the tax could deter donations and hinder temples' ability to undertake charitable activities that benefit the community.

The state government, however, defended the proposed amendment stating that I was a means to support weaker priests and improve facilities in less affluent temples. The bill, according to the state government, aimed to establish a "Common Pool Fund" financed by the temples' contributions. This fund would be used for:

• Supporting priests: Providing welfare measures and improved working conditions for priests, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds.
• Upgrading facilities: Enhancing infrastructure and amenities at less affluent temples.
• Funding education: Supporting educational initiatives for children from disadvantaged families associated with temples.

The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said that the allegations regarding the amendments to the Bill "appear to be misrepresented", "aiming only at misleading the public" and "polarizing people along communal lines for political leverage."

What were contribution rates for temples under the Karnataka amendment bill?

It introduced new financial contribution rates for temples based on income levels. Notably, in the Karnataka Muzrai Department, there are approximately 35,000 temples. These are divided into three categories based on annual income: Group A temples with income above Rs 25 lakh, Group B temples with income between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, and Group C temples, constituting the majority, with income below Rs 5 lakh.

According to the proposed legislation, temples generating over Rs 1 crore annually were required to mandatorily contribute 10% to a ‘Common Pool Fund’. Those with annual revenues between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore required to contribute 5%. Temples earning less than Rs 10 lakh were proposed to be exempt from these contributions. Additionally, the amendment aimed to establish state and district high-level committees to oversee and recommend improvements for Group A temples.

The bill was passed in the Legislative Council with minimal opposition two days ago.