Bengaluru

25 September 2018 00:20 IST

PIL questions govt. notification to 81 temples to transfer ₹12.30 crore

The Karnataka High Court on Monday asked the government’s response on a PIL petition, which has questioned the legality of the notification issued by the State government compelling 81 notified temples in the State to transfer, by way of “donation”, a specified amount from their available funds to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for use in flood relief works.

The government notification of August 21, 2018, had directed executive officers of these 81 temples to transfer ₹12.30 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice S.G. Pandit issued the direction during the hearing of the petition filed by Hema Naidu and V.R. Samapath, both residents of Bengaluru city.

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It has been contended on behalf of the petitioners that the diversion of temple fund to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund is a violation of the provisions of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institution and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997, which does not allow use of temple funds for purposes other than the specified religious purposes.

The petitioners have alleged that there is discrimination even in selection of temple for transfer of fund. Further hearing was adjourned till September 26.

Food sold in multiplexes

Meanwhile, the Bench adjourned hearing on another PIL petition questioning ban on carrying food into the cinema halls and multiplexes while alleging that food sold inside the cinema halls and multiplexes are exorbitantly priced. The Bench asked petitioner’s counsel to verify with the regulatory authority for these premises as there was no clarity in the petition in this regard. The petitioners have complained that only junk food is sold and they are not allowed to carry food of their choice. However, the Bench orally observed these are the places where the people visit by choice and not by necessity.