7-member panel, working on comprehensive amendment to Muzrai Act, is considering the provision

Religious mutts and temples under their control that have so far remained outside the ambit of the government could come within it’s purview if changes being considered for the ‘Muzrai’ Act is any indication.

A seven-member committee, currently in the process of suggesting comprehensive changes in the Act, is considering inclusion of mutts and temples controlled by mutts under the purview of the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, popularly known as ‘Muzrai’ Act. The committee — headed by advocate and Karnataka Rajya Dharmika Parishad member N.K. Jagannivas Rao — has already met thrice and is likely to come up with the draft in a month’s time.

In fact, non-inclusion of mutts and temples run by them, and keeping away Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs from the definition of “Hindus” had led a Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court to strike down the 2011 and 2012 Amendments brought to the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997. Terming the exclusion as “illegal and discriminatory”, the high court had struck down amendments in 2015.

Even the 1997 Act was stuck down by the High Court in 2006 on the same grounds that mutts have been kept outside the purview, but the Supreme Court stayed a portion of the High Court’s ruling.

“We got a stay from the Supreme Court over the High Court judgment. However, in the light of the High Court’s observations on the current Act, we want to bring a uniform and comprehensive Act that will overcome loopholes. We will incorporate suggestions, observations and the order issued by the High Court,” Minister for Muzrai Rudrappa Lamani confirmed.

According to Mr. Jagannivas Rao, the draft for new amendments was in the preliminary stage. “We will get clarity after the draft is completed.”

On what was being considered for overhauling the 1997 Act, he said: “The High Court’s observation on the Amendments to the Act when it was stuck down had raised issues pertaining to Article 14, 25 and 26 of Indian constitution that refer to fundamental rights of the citizens. These included how the mutts had been kept away from the Act and how Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs were not brought under the Act. These observations of the court are being considered. Apart from this, there are Supreme Court observations too that will be incorporated,” he said, adding that some Sections of the Act are not clear, and some rules are also missing.

Mr. Jagannivas Rao said the committee is seeking the views of temple administrators, staff, archakas, and devotees as well. “We will also study how the issue is being handled smoothly in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. We want to reduce interference of the government by empowering local committees,” he added.

Dept. to return gadduge to mutts

The Muzrai Department has received 70 applications after it decided to let go of “C” category temples to families where priests have hereditarily performed duties. The department also intends to let go of gadduges (seats) of seers of various mutts that are currently under its supervision.

According to Mr. Lamani, most ‘C’ category temples have been identified in Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Karwar, and Deputy Commissioners of all districts have been asked to draw up a list of such temples in their jurisdiction. “There is shortage of fund and staff. We want to return the maintenance of gadduge to respective mutts, and also hand over temples to families that have looked after them,” he added.

Agama schools in six temple towns

In a bid to create access to learning of Agama, Sanskrit and vedas to aspiring priests, a proposal has been mooted to start Agama schools from the next academic year in six temple towns across the State. The temples at Kukke Subramanya, Kollur, Devarayanadurga, and Yellamma Gudda are among those identified to start the schools, which will train aspirants and issue certificates. Currently, there are 32 Agama schools run by the government.

At a recent meeting of the Rajya Dharmika Parishath, the proposal was mooted and administering temples have been asked to come up with proposals. “These schools will be funded from the temple revenue and will help the interested access religious knowledge,” Mr. Lamani told The Hindu.